Disney and Miral to Open Seventh Theme Park in Abu Dhabi's Yas Island

Disney has exciting news for fans and travelers alike, announcing the launch of its seventh theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi on the picturesque waterfront of Yas Island. This ambitious project is being brought to life in collaboration with Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences. Miral, already renowned for attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, will fully develop, build, and operate this new park.

While Miral takes the helm in the operational aspects, Disney and its Imagineers are deeply involved, leading the creative design and operational oversight to ensure a world-class experience. Disney's CEO Bob Iger confirmed during 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 his enthusiasm, 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 promises to be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati, creating an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment. It aims to bring Disney's timeless characters and stories to life in innovative ways, serving as a source of joy and inspiration for generations.

Although specifics about the park are still under wraps, it was revealed that it will feature Disney's first-ever modern castle. Concept art suggests a stunning glass or crystal tower, hinting at a possible Aladdin theme with the tagline, "A whole new world awaits."

The project, which has been in serious discussion since 2017, was "crystalized" last year, according to Iger. While a specific opening date remains unconfirmed, Iger noted that the typical timeline for such projects is between 18 months to two years for design and development, and about five years for construction.

Highlighting the strategic location, Iger mentioned that approximately one-third of the world's population is within a four-hour flight of the UAE, home to the world's largest global airline hub, which sees 120 million passengers annually. This new park will nicely fill the gap in Disney's global presence in the Middle East.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, emphasized the significance of the project, 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 added, "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 the ranks of other Disney parks, including Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney.

Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the new resort as the "most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio." He stated, "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 insights into the world of Disney, explore our coverage of an exclusive visit to Walt Disney Imagineering, where we learned about the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, and discover everything you need to know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary and the Disney Destiny.