Abu Dhabi: The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to open its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, selecting Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island as the location for the landmark project.
The development will be done in partnership with Miral Group, the UAE-based leisure and entertainment developer behind many of Yas Island’s popular attractions.
The Disney-themed waterfront resort will be the company’s first major new park since Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016, and its first venture in the Middle East. The project will blend Disney’s signature storytelling with the cultural heritage of the UAE, which Disney CEO Bob Iger described as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
Miral will finance, build, and operate the resort, while Disney’s Imagineers-its renowned team of designers and engineers will lead creative development and provide operational oversight. Disney will earn royalties from the resort’s revenue, as detailed in regulatory filings.
There’s Disney magic in the sky. 🌌 Breathtaking views, iconic imagery, and beautiful music come together to celebrate the announcement of the new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi. #YasIsland #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/KB3PPfdeIX
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said that, “We’ve always been interested in this part of the world, and Yas Island offers the perfect setting to introduce Disney stories to new audiences.”
Yas Island, already home to Warner Bros World, SeaWorld, and Yas Waterworld, drew more than 34 million visits in 2023.
Though no official opening date was provided, D’Amaro indicated that design work would take up to two years, followed by four to six years of construction.
The project is part of Disney’s broader push to expand its Experiences division. In 2023, the company pledged $60 billion over a decade to grow its theme parks and cruise operations.
Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi called the partnership a “historic milestone,” adding that Disney Park will play a key role in transforming Yas Island into a world-leading entertainment destination.
