In a major announcement Wednesday morning, The Walt Disney Company revealed plans for a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion of its global brand. Disney reached an agreement with Miral, a leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, to develop a waterfront destination on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates.
This new destination will be Disney’s seventh theme park resort worldwide. The Abu Dhabi resort will be fully developed, built, and operated by Miral, with Disney’s own Imagineers leading the creative design and operational oversight. This arrangement is similar to that seen at Tokyo Disney Resort, where the Oriental Land Company manages operations.
“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,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “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 authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. 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.”
While specifics about the attractions and rides or an opening date have not been disclosed, Iger said that Imagineers have already begun the design phase of the park. He emphasized, “We’re not pinning down a date yet. It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build, but we’re not making any commitments right now.”
In a statement shared by Disney, the company said that the new theme park resort will feature “distinctive Disney entertainment, themed lodging, exceptional dining and shopping experiences, all while narrating stories that honor both Disney’s rich heritage and the modern, cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.”
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