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

In an exciting development for fans of Disney magic and immersive experiences, the entertainment giant has officially announced its seventh theme park and resort will be coming to Abu Dhabi. This new destination will rise on the stunning waterfront of Yas Island in partnership with Miral, a leading creator of world-class immersive destinations and experiences in the UAE capital.

According to details shared by the Disney Parks Blog, Miral will take full responsibility for the development, construction, and operation of the park. Known for delivering iconic attractions such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, Miral is well-positioned to bring this ambitious vision to life. Meanwhile, Disney’s creative team—including its legendary Imagineers—will provide full creative design and operational oversight to ensure the park delivers a truly world-class guest experience.

Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed during the company's Q2 2025 Earnings Call that Disney would not be making any direct financial investment into the project. Instead, the company will license its intellectual property and receive royalties, without owning any part of the physical park itself.

“We own our IP and license it to them—that’s essentially the agreement,”

Iger explained, emphasizing the unique nature of the collaboration. He also added:

“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.”

The theme park will reflect both Disney’s timeless storytelling and the vibrant culture of the United Arab Emirates. Described as "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," the park will feature attractions inspired by beloved Disney characters and narratives, seamlessly integrated with the region’s breathtaking landscapes and architectural beauty. The official tagline, “A whole new world awaits,” hints at a possible Aladdin-themed area or attraction within the park.

A Landmark Castle Like Never Before

One of the most anticipated features of the new park is Disney’s first-ever modern castle concept. Concept art released alongside the announcement shows a futuristic tower made of glass or crystal, symbolizing innovation and fantasy. While traditional Disney parks are centered around fairy-tale castles, this one promises a bold reinterpretation rooted in modern aesthetics and regional inspiration.

Project Timeline and Strategic Location

Though discussions about this project have been ongoing since as early as 2017, Iger noted in a recent interview with ABC News that the partnership “crystalized” last year, setting the stage for today’s formal announcement. Speaking with CNBC, he also provided insight into the expected timeline:

“We’re not pinning down a date yet. It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build—but we’re not making any commitments right now.”

Abu Dhabi’s strategic location makes it an ideal site for Disney’s latest global venture. According to Iger, roughly one-third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, which also serves as home to the world’s largest airline hub. With over 120 million passengers passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually, the park is positioned to become a major international tourist draw—filling a notable gap in Disney’s current global footprint in the Middle East.

A New Era of Disney Experiences

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, expressed pride in the collaboration:

“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.”

He 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.”

When completed, the Abu Dhabi resort will join Disney’s prestigious global lineup, including Disneyland Resort (California), Walt Disney World (Florida), Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney Resort.

Pushing Creative Boundaries

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the resort as “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio.” He emphasized how the park’s unique waterfront location would open up new possibilities for storytelling and guest engagement:

“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 updates on all things Disney, including behind-the-scenes looks at Walt Disney Imagineering and upcoming milestones like Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, stay tuned to the latest news from the world of Disney.