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

Disney has announced the exciting news of its seventh theme park and resort, set to open on the waterfront of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This ambitious project will be developed, built, and operated by Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, known for attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island.

Despite Miral's operational role, Disney and its Imagineers will be deeply involved, leading the creative design and operational oversight to ensure a world-class experience. Disney's CEO Bob Iger emphasized in the Q2 2025 Earnings Call that Disney is not investing 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

Iger expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “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. 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."

Dubbed "Disneyland Abu Dhabi," the park will be a unique blend of Disney magic and Emirati culture, described as an "oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment." Iger highlighted that the park will feature timeless Disney characters and stories in innovative ways, becoming a source of joy and inspiration for the region's people for generations to come.

While specific details about the park are still under wraps, it was revealed that it will be anchored by Disney's first-ever modern castle, depicted in concept art as a stunning glass or crystal tower. The tagline, "A whole new world awaits," suggests the inclusion of Aladdin-themed attractions.

Disney has been discussing this project since 2017, with plans solidifying last year, according to Iger in an ABC News interview. In a CNBC discussion, Iger mentioned that the project timeline typically involves 18 months to two years for design and development, and approximately five years for construction, though no specific dates were committed to yet.

Iger also pointed out the strategic location of the park, noting that about 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. 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, praised the collaboration, saying, "Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence."

Al Mubarak continued, "What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. 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 elaborated, "This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development. 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 on Disney's innovative projects, explore our coverage of being invited to Walt Disney Imagineering to learn about the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, and get all the details on Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebrations and the Disney Destiny.