Disney to open theme park resort on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

Disney is bringing its magic to the Middle East.

In a landmark announcement, The Walt Disney Company has partnered with Miral to develop a Disney Theme Park Resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The project will mark Disney’s first theme park destination in the Middle East and only its seventh globally, joining its parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, confirmed the news in a message to stakeholders, calling it “the beginning of a transformative new chapter for tourism and entertainment across the region.”

“This is not just a project,” Al Zaabi said. “It’s a testament to what visionary leadership, bold ambition, enduring partnerships, and unwavering commitment can accomplish.”

The announcement was made in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. His Highness underscored that the development reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing global standing as a premier leisure tourism destination. He also linked the move to the emirate’s broader strategy of economic diversification, particularly through cultural and creative industries.

During the announcement, Sheikh Khaled was joined by senior officials including His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral; and Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

The new resort, to be developed and operated by Miral, will showcase Disney’s legendary storytelling, attraction design and operational excellence. Disney will lead on creative and technological development, while Miral will oversee construction and long-term operations.

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, called the project “an extraordinary opportunity for Disney to bring its renowned storytelling to yet another region of the world.”

“Abu Dhabi’s position as an international crossroads, its embrace of global culture, and its ambitious vision for the future make it a perfect location for Disney to reach millions of new families,” Iger said.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, added that the resort will “push the boundaries of theme park design” with a “modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created.”

Miral’s Chairman, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said the collaboration “demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence.” He described the upcoming park as “a whole new world of imagination” that will inspire generations across the region.

The resort joins Yas Island’s growing portfolio of world-class attractions, which includes SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Etihad Arena.

No official opening date has been confirmed yet.