Disney is bringing its magic to the Middle East, announcing plans to open a new theme park in Abu Dhabi—its seventh resort worldwide and the first ever in the region. The ambitious project will be located on Yas Island, already home to major attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit.
The development is a partnership between Disney and UAE-based company Miral. While Disney will not be contributing capital directly, it will oversee the park’s creative design through its famed Imagineering team and receive royalties once it opens. Miral will handle construction and day-to-day operations, while Disney provides brand oversight and creative input.
CEO Bob Iger expressed excitement about the venture, calling it a perfect cultural and creative fit. “This is a thrilling moment for our company,” he said, promising a park that fuses modern architecture, immersive technology, and timeless storytelling. Though no official opening date has been given, Disney said such projects typically take five years to complete.
The decision aligns with Disney’s growing emphasis on its experiences division, which includes theme parks, resorts, cruises, and merchandise. That division saw a 6% revenue increase in the most recent earnings report, and Disney stock jumped over 9% following the Abu Dhabi announcement.
The resort will feature themed hotels, shopping, and dining alongside traditional Disney attractions. Executives also noted that Abu Dhabi’s strategic location—within a four-hour flight for nearly one-third of the world’s population—positions it to attract up to 500 million potential visitors. As Disney pushes into new global territory, the Abu Dhabi park promises to be its most high-tech and globally accessible destination yet.
Image Credits: Flickr
