The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading destination developer, have announced a landmark partnership to build a Disney theme park resort on Yas Island — making it Disney's seventh global resort and its first in the Middle East. The announcement, made on 7 May 2025, marks one of the most significant entertainment investments in the UAE's history.
What Is the Disney Abu Dhabi Theme Park?
Located on Yas Island — a world-class leisure destination that already attracts millions of visitors annually — the Disney Abu Dhabi resort will unite Disney's iconic storytelling and characters with Abu Dhabi's rich cultural heritage, futuristic architecture, and waterfront scenery.
The resort will feature signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and immersive attractions designed specifically to reflect both Disney's legacy and the distinct Emirati identity of the UAE.
Who Is Building It?
Miral will handle full development, construction, and operation of the resort. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight, ensuring the experience meets the global Disney standard.
Disney will not be making a capital investment in the project, instead earning royalties — a model similar to arrangements at other international Disney parks.
What the Leaders Said
Miral Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak called the partnership "an innovative celebration of imagination" that will "influence future generations while revolutionizing family-friendly entertainment across the regional market."
Disney CEO Robert A. Iger struck a defining tone for the project: "Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati — an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment."
Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, added that the resort would be "an industry-leading entertainment center" capable of capitalizing on Yas Island's unique marine environment to explore new creative opportunities.
Why Abu Dhabi and Yas Island?
The UAE's strategic location — just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai — places the new Disney destination within reach of one-third of the world's population. Combined, Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports handle around 120 million passengers annually, making the region one of the world's premier travel hubs.
Yas Island is already home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld, establishing it as one of the Middle East's top theme park destinations. A Disney resort would cement its position as a global entertainment capital.
What This Means for UAE Tourism
The Disney Abu Dhabi resort is expected to draw millions of additional visitors and generate sustained tourism and economic growth for the region over several decades. For the UAE, it represents a major step forward in its ambition to become one of the world's leading travel and entertainment destinations.
No opening date or total investment figure has been disclosed at this stage. Further details on specific attractions, resort capacity, and a development timeline are expected as the project progresses.
