The Walt Disney Company has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Miral Group to develop a new Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, marking its first major expansion into the Middle East. The announcement, made on May 7, 2025, coincided with a surge in Disney's stock, which climbed 8% to $99.50 in premarket trading, reflecting investor confidence in the company's growth strategy.
This new venture will be Disney's seventh global theme park destination and is fully funded by Miral, which will handle the construction and operation of the resort. Disney, in return, will provide creative leadership and operational oversight while earning royalties from the park's revenue. Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized the cultural alignment of the project, describing it as "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," aiming to blend Disney's iconic storytelling with the rich cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island, already a hub of entertainment, attracted over 34 million visitors in 2023, a 38% increase from the previous year. The island boasts attractions like Warner Bros World and Yas Waterworld, making it a prime location for Disney's expansion. The resort will feature themed accommodations, dining, and retail experiences that celebrate both Disney's legacy and Abu Dhabi's innovative spirit.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney’s Experiences unit, expressed enthusiasm about reaching a new audience in the Middle East, highlighting Abu Dhabi's strategic location within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population. This positioning allows the resort to tap into a tourism market of approximately 500 million potential visitors annually, bolstered by the region's status as a major airline hub.
The project aligns with Abu Dhabi's commitment to sustainable growth and enhancing its tourism sector. Plans are already underway to expand the capacity of the international airport in Dubai to accommodate 120 million passengers annually by 2026, further supporting the influx of tourists.
This new Disney theme park and resort represents a significant addition to Yas Island's offerings, which already include various family entertainment destinations. Miral, known for developing immersive experiences in Abu Dhabi, will spearhead the project, ensuring that it meets the high standards expected of Disney parks worldwide.
In a statement, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, noted, "Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future." This sentiment reflects the collaborative spirit of the project, which aims to create a unique destination that resonates with both locals and international visitors.
Disney's broader strategy includes a commitment of $60 billion over the next decade to expand its Experiences unit, which encompasses theme parks, cruises, and resorts. This investment marks a significant shift in Disney's approach, allowing the company to grow its global footprint without substantial capital expenditure. The partnership with Miral is seen as a low-risk expansion, enabling Disney to extend its brand while reaching families in a region with considerable tourism potential.
As the project progresses, further details will be announced, but initial reports indicate that the resort will feature advanced, interactive experiences that leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance guest engagement. This approach is in line with modern expectations for interactivity and cultural relevance, ensuring that the new resort remains at the forefront of theme park innovation.
Disney's Experiences division has shown promising growth, reporting a 6% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal second quarter. This positive performance underscores the potential success of the new resort, which aims to redefine the theme park experience by integrating Disney's storytelling with the futuristic essence of Abu Dhabi.
Upon completion, the Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island is expected to draw millions of visitors, reinforcing Disney's dominance in the global entertainment landscape. The collaboration between Disney and Miral is set to inspire creativity and innovation in theme park development, contributing to the ongoing transformation of Yas Island into a premier global entertainment hub.
As the project moves forward, stakeholders and fans alike are eager to see how Disney will bring its magic to the Middle East, creating an experience that not only entertains but also celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the region. With the groundwork laid and a clear vision in place, the future looks bright for Disney's expansion into Abu Dhabi.