The Walt Disney Company made history on Wednesday when it announced that Abu Dhabi will open its first theme park in the Middle East. This landmark project will be located on Yas Island, a premier entertainment hub developed by Miral.
Disney executives confirmed the new park will serve as the company’s seventh global resort, marking the first expansion since Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016. Officials expect the resort to open in the early 2030s, featuring one theme park and several hotels, though exact details remain undisclosed.
Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based company, will lead construction, development, and operations while collaborating closely with Disney Imagineers on creative design. Disney Experience chairman Josh D’Amaro emphasized the park’s commitment to blending authentic Disney storytelling with Emirati cultural elements to create a unique destination.
Abu Dhabi’s strategic location influenced the decision, offering access to over 500 million potential visitors within a four-hour flight radius, including India’s vast population. Disney stated the Emirates’ status as a central aviation hub with 120 million annual passengers passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports as a key factor.
The theme park will join Yas Island’s growing roster of attractions, including SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld. The island offers world-class hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and under an hour from Dubai.
Disney reported strong financial results alongside the announcement, with second-quarter revenue rising 7% to $23.6 billion and operating income up 15%. Disney+ also grew by 1.4 million subscribers during the quarter, reversing earlier declines. Industry analysts predict the Abu Dhabi resort will boost regional tourism while reinforcing Disney’s global brand amid rising competition in theme park entertainment.
