Disney to Launch Seventh Theme Park in Abu Dhabi's Yas Island with Miral

Disney has exciting news for fans and travelers alike: the company is set to open its seventh theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, strategically located on the waterfront of Yas Island. This ambitious project is being brought to life in collaboration with Miral, Abu Dhabi's premier developer of immersive destinations and experiences. Miral, already known for attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, will fully develop, construct, and operate the new Disney park.

While Miral takes the lead on the physical aspects, Disney and its Imagineers will maintain a strong presence by overseeing the creative design and operational aspects, ensuring a world-class experience. Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, confirmed during the company's Q2 2025 Earnings Call that Disney will not invest capital in the project but will instead receive royalties, emphasizing that Disney will own its intellectual property and license it to Miral.

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

In a statement, Iger expressed enthusiasm about the venture, highlighting the synergy between Disney's storytelling and Abu Dhabi's rich cultural heritage and appreciation for the arts. "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," he said. He further described Disneyland Abu Dhabi as an oasis that will bring Disney's timeless characters and stories to life in new and inspiring ways for generations to come.

A highlight of the new park will be Disney's first-ever modern castle, envisioned as a tower of glass or crystal, as depicted in the concept art released with the announcement. The tagline, 'A whole new world awaits,' suggests a thematic connection to the beloved Disney film "Aladdin."

Disney has been contemplating this project since 2017, with Iger noting in an ABC News interview that the plans "crystalized" last year. In a CNBC interview, Iger discussed the timeline, indicating that while it typically takes 18 months to two years for design and development, and about five years to build, no specific opening date has been set yet.

Iger also pointed out the strategic location of the park, noting that approximately 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, serving 120 million passengers annually. This new park will fill a gap in Disney's global presence, particularly in the Middle East region.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, emphasized the cultural and innovative significance of the project, saying, "Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future." He praised the collaboration with Disney as a testament to combining visionary leadership with creative excellence, aiming to inspire generations and create lasting memories for families.

Once completed, the park will join Disney's prestigious lineup, which includes Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disney, and now, the currently unnamed park in Abu Dhabi.

Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the upcoming resort as the "most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio," highlighting its unique waterfront location and the innovative storytelling possibilities it offers. "This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development," D'Amaro said, adding that it will be a celebration of creativity and progress.

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Disney, consider exploring our coverage of a visit to Walt Disney Imagineering to learn about the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, or catch up on everything you need to know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary and the Disney Destiny.