Disney has officially confirmed plans to build its seventh theme park in the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant expansion of the entertainment giant's global footprint. The new resort will be located on Yas Island, just outside the capital city of Abu Dhabi, and is set to capitalize on the growing tourism market in the region.
The announcement came on May 7, 2025, just ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's anticipated visit to the UAE, where he is expected to discuss various business deals with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. This strategic timing underscores the importance of international relations and economic partnerships in the region.
Disney is partnering with Miral, a local developer that has a history of operating attractions on Yas Island, including SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World. Miral will be responsible for the construction and operation of the theme park, while Disney will oversee the design and development aspects of the project, although it will not be providing any capital funding. Instead, Disney will earn royalties and service fees from the park's revenues.
In a joint statement, Disney and Miral expressed excitement about the project, with Disney's Parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro stating, "Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique - anchored by a beautiful waterfront - which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways." The resort is expected to feature themed accommodations, restaurants, and retail outlets that reflect both Disney's heritage and the cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
CEO Bob Iger elaborated on the decision to build in the UAE during a media blitz following the announcement. He noted that the region was chosen after careful evaluation of market demand and long-term business opportunities. Iger pointed out that there are hundreds of millions of income-qualified individuals within a four-hour flight of Abu Dhabi, making it a prime location for a Disney park. The UAE also boasts the largest global airline hub, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.
Abu Dhabi is aiming to attract 39 million tourists by 2030, and the new Disney park is expected to play a significant role in achieving that goal. The UAE has been investing heavily in diversifying its economy beyond oil, focusing on tourism and entertainment as key growth sectors. This aligns with Disney's strategy to expand its international presence, particularly in markets with high potential for visitor engagement.
Interestingly, the announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi coincided with Disney's release of quarterly financial results that exceeded Wall Street's expectations. The company reported a 7% increase in revenue, totaling $23.6 billion, and an operating income of $4.4 billion. This financial success may have bolstered Disney's confidence in pursuing such an ambitious project.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new park, some analysts and commentators have raised concerns about the implications of Disney's expansion into the UAE. The region has faced scrutiny over human rights issues, particularly concerning labor practices in the construction industry. Critics have pointed out that while Disney will not provide direct funding, its involvement in the project may still raise ethical questions about the conditions under which the park is built.
Disney's licensing model for Disneyland Abu Dhabi mirrors its partnership with Oriental Land Company for the Tokyo Disney Resort, where Disney retains ownership of its intellectual property while allowing a local partner to manage operations. This arrangement minimizes financial risk for Disney while still enabling it to benefit from the park's success.
The decision to build in Abu Dhabi, rather than in other potential markets like Australia or Brazil, has sparked discussions about the future of Disney parks. Iger explained that the UAE's unique position as a cultural crossroads and its commitment to quality and innovation made it an attractive location. He emphasized the importance of connecting with local audiences and providing a Disney experience that resonates with the region's values.
As the project moves forward, both Disney and Miral will be tasked with ensuring that Disneyland Abu Dhabi meets the high standards associated with the Disney brand. Iger reassured stakeholders that Disney's involvement would include significant oversight to maintain the quality of the guest experience. He stated, "We will have employees embedded in the organization with them to help them operate a Disney theme park basically at the quality level that everybody is used to."
The development of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is still in its early stages, with no specific opening date announced yet. However, the collaboration between Disney and Miral is expected to create a landmark attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
In summary, Disney's decision to build a theme park in Abu Dhabi represents a bold step into the Middle East market, leveraging the region's growing tourism sector and strategic location. As the project unfolds, it will be closely watched by industry observers and fans alike, eager to see how this new venture will shape the future of Disney's global presence.
