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

In a major step forward for global entertainment, Disney has officially announced the development of its seventh theme park and resort—this time in Abu Dhabi. The new destination will rise on the scenic waterfront of Yas Island with the support of Miral, a leading developer behind immersive experiences in the region.

According to details shared via the Disney Parks Blog, this upcoming park will be fully developed, constructed, and operated by Miral. Known for creating world-class attractions such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, Miral is positioned to bring Disney’s magic to life under the creative guidance of Disney Imagineers.

Disney will remain deeply involved in shaping the guest experience. The company's Imagineers will lead the creative design and oversee operations to ensure the park meets Disney’s globally recognized standards. As stated during Disney’s Q2 2025 Earnings Call, CEO Bob Iger emphasized that while Disney won’t hold ownership or invest capital directly into the project, the company will license its intellectual property and receive royalties from the venture.

“So, there isn't any ownership,” Iger said. “We own our IP and license it to them—that's essentially the agreement.”

The upcoming resort aims to deliver an experience that is both authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati. It will blend Disney’s legendary storytelling, beloved characters, and iconic attractions with the rich culture, stunning coastline, and architectural marvels of Abu Dhabi. A recent tweet from Disney Parks hinted at this unique fusion with the phrase: “This is a whole new world awaits.”

A New Kind of Disney Experience

Iger described the announcement as a significant milestone for the company, noting that the new park represents Disney’s continued expansion into culturally rich and creative regions. He explained that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will stand out as a modern, immersive entertainment destination where traditional Disney narratives meet cutting-edge technology and innovative architecture.

While many specifics about the park are still under wraps, one exciting reveal is the inclusion of Disney’s first-ever modern castle. Concept art released alongside the announcement shows a striking glass or crystal tower—an architectural centerpiece unlike anything seen before in Disney parks. The tagline “A whole new world awaits” also hints at the potential integration of *Aladdin* and other Middle Eastern-inspired stories.

Discussions about this park have been ongoing since 2017, but according to Iger, the vision truly solidified last year during an interview with ABC News. When speaking to CNBC about the project’s timeline, he noted that while no official opening date has been set yet, the typical process for designing and building a Disney park can take around five years.

Strategic Location and Regional Impact

One of the most compelling aspects of this new resort is its location. Iger highlighted that roughly one-third of the global population resides within a four-hour flight radius of the UAE. With Abu Dhabi and Dubai collectively serving over 120 million airline passengers annually, the region already functions as a key international travel hub. This makes the new park a strategic addition to Disney’s global footprint, filling a gap in the Middle East market.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage and innovation coexist. He added that the collaboration reflects what happens when visionary leadership meets creative excellence. The goal, he explained, is to craft a destination that inspires future generations through unforgettable family moments rooted in imagination and cultural richness.

Disney Parks Around the World

Once completed, the new park in Abu Dhabi will join an elite lineup of Disney destinations including:

• Disneyland Resort (California)
• Walt Disney World Resort (Florida)
• Tokyo Disney Resort (Japan)
• Disneyland Paris (France)
• Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (China)
• Shanghai Disney Resort (China)
• [TBD] Disney Theme Park Resort in Abu Dhabi

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the new resort as the “most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio.” He praised the unique waterfront setting, which will allow Disney to tell stories in fresh and engaging ways. D’Amaro called the project a “new frontier in theme park development,” emphasizing how it will connect families across the globe with Disney’s timeless magic.

For more updates on Disney’s latest projects—including exclusive insights into Walt Disney Imagineering and the upcoming 70th anniversary celebrations at Disneyland—be sure to follow the latest news from the world of Disney.