Disney has confirmed the official launch of its seventh major theme park and resort, set to open on the waterfront of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral.
As announced on the Disney Parks Blog, the new park will be entirely developed, constructed, and managed by Miral, Abu Dhabi's premier developer of immersive destinations. Miral is already behind Yas Island attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island.
Disney and its Imagineers will maintain a central creative role, overseeing design and operational strategy to ensure a globally renowned guest experience. Disney CEO Bob Iger noted during the Q2 2025 Earnings Call that the company is not providing capital investment but will receive royalty payments.
"There is no ownership stake involved," Iger explained. "The agreement is essentially a licensing deal for our intellectual property."
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
“This announcement marks a thrilling new chapter for Disney as we plan a spectacular theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, a region renowned for its deep appreciation of arts and creativity,” Iger said in a statement. “As our seventh global destination, it will rise from the landscape in a spectacular way, merging contemporary architecture with advanced technology to deliver deeply immersive entertainment in unique and modern forms.
"Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be both authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney magic at a global crossroads. It will bring our timeless characters and stories to life in innovative ways, serving as a lasting source of joy and inspiration for generations across this vast region.”
While specific details remain limited, it was confirmed the park will feature Disney's first-ever modern castle. Concept art reveals a stunning tower of glass or crystal with breathtaking architecture. The tagline, 'A Whole New World Awaits,' also hints at strong Aladdin themes.
Discussions for this project have been ongoing since 2017, but Iger noted in an ABC News interview that plans solidified last year.
In a conversation with CNBC, Iger addressed the project's expected timeline.
"We're not announcing a specific opening date yet,” Iger stated. “Typically, the design and development phase takes 18 months to two years, with construction requiring approximately five years, but we are not committing to a schedule at this stage.”
He highlighted that roughly one-third of the global population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, home to the world's largest airline hub, which sees 120 million passengers annually through Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The park will strategically fill Disney's gap in the Middle East market.
“Abu Dhabi is where heritage meets innovation, preserving our past while designing the future,” said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral. “This collaboration with Disney showcases the extraordinary outcomes possible when visionary leadership meets creative excellence.
"What we are building with Disney in Abu Dhabi is an entirely new world of imagination—an experience that will inspire generations regionally and globally, creating magical memories for families to cherish. By developing unique attractions, Abu Dhabi reinforces its position as a premier global destination.”
Upon completion, Disney's global portfolio will include: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, and this newly announced Abu Dhabi location.
Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, added that this resort is poised to be "the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio."
“This groundbreaking resort represents a new frontier in theme park development,” D’Amaro said. “Its unique waterfront location will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will connect with guests in an entirely new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney magic than ever before. Ultimately, it celebrates what's possible when creativity and progress unite.”
For more Disney updates, explore our exclusive visit to Walt Disney Imagineering to learn about the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, plus essential guides to Disneyland's 70th anniversary and the Disney Destiny cruise ship.
