Disney to Launch Seventh Theme Park in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island with Miral

Disney has thrillingly announced the launch of its seventh theme park and resort, set to grace the waterfront of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This ambitious project is being spearheaded by Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences. Known for managing attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, Miral will fully develop, build, and operate this new Disney park.

Despite the operational responsibilities falling to Miral, Disney's Imagineers will play a pivotal role in leading the creative design and operational oversight to ensure a world-class experience. Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized during the Q2 2025 Earnings Call that Disney will not invest any capital in the project but will instead earn royalties. "So, there isn't any ownership," Iger clarified. "We own our IP and license it to them is essentially the agreement."

This new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati - combing Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. ✨ https://t.co/M1GHeYgr4H #YasIsland… pic.twitter.com/IyjODlj9ar

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025

Iger further expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity. As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways."

Dubbed "Disneyland Abu Dhabi," the park promises to be authentically Disney while embracing the distinct Emirati culture. It aims to be an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment, bringing timeless characters and stories to life in innovative ways. The park will be anchored by Disney's first-ever modern castle, depicted in concept art as a stunning tower of glass or crystal, hinting at a possible Aladdin theme with the tagline, "A whole new world awaits."

Discussions about this project have been ongoing since 2017, with Iger noting in an ABC News interview that the plan "crystalized" last year. While no specific opening date has been set, Iger mentioned to CNBC that the typical timeline for such projects is between 18 months to two years for design and development, and approximately five years for construction.

The strategic location of Abu Dhabi, within a four-hour flight of about a third of the world's population and home to the largest global airline hub, positions the new park to attract a significant number of visitors. This development will also fill a gap in Disney's global presence by establishing a foothold in the Middle East.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, highlighted the significance of the project, saying, "Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world."

Upon completion, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will join the ranks of other Disney parks worldwide, including Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney. Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the new resort as "the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio," emphasizing its unique waterfront location and innovative storytelling methods.

For more insights into the world of Disney, explore our coverage of a visit to Walt Disney Imagineering to learn about the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, and discover everything you need to know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary and the Disney Destiny.