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

Disney has announced the exciting development of its seventh theme park and resort, set to open on the waterfront of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral. As the leading creator of immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, Miral will fully develop, build, and operate the new park, which will join other renowned attractions on Yas Island such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island.

Despite Miral's operational role, Disney's Imagineers will play a pivotal part in leading the creative design and overseeing operations to ensure a world-class experience. Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, emphasized during the Q2 2025 Earnings Call that Disney will not invest any capital in the project but will receive 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

In a statement, Iger expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi. "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," he said. "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."

Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be a blend of authentic Disney charm and distinct Emirati culture, creating an "oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment" that will bring Disney's timeless characters and stories to life in innovative ways. This park is poised to become a source of joy and inspiration for generations in the region.

While specific details about the park remain under wraps, it has been confirmed that it will feature Disney's first-ever modern castle. Concept art suggests a stunning glass or crystal tower, hinting at a thematic connection to Aladdin with the tagline, "A whole new world awaits."

Disney has been discussing this project since 2017, with plans solidifying last year, according to Iger in an ABC News interview. Speaking to CNBC, Iger outlined the project's timeline, noting that while no specific opening date has been set, the design and development phase typically takes 18 months to two years, with construction taking about five years.

Iger also highlighted the strategic location of the park, noting that approximately one-third of the world's population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, which is also home to the world's largest global airline hub, seeing 120 million passengers annually through Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This new park will fill a significant gap in Disney's global presence, particularly in the Middle East.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, emphasized the synergy between Abu Dhabi's heritage and innovation. "Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future," he said. "The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence."

Al Mubarak added that the partnership aims to create a "whole new world of imagination" that will inspire generations and create lasting memories for families. "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 Disney's impressive portfolio, which includes Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney Resort.

Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the new resort as the "most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio." He highlighted the unique waterfront location and the potential for new storytelling methods. "This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development," D'Amaro said. "The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together."

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.