Walt Disney has announced plans to open its first theme park in the Middle East.
The resort, which will be in the United Arab Emirates on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, is a collaboration between Walt Disney and local leisure and entertainment company Miral. The waterfront theme park resort will be located on Yas Island, which is known for its entertainment and leisure offerings like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.
While details like opening date or budget have not been revealed, the project has been in the works since 2019 under the codename “Project Mars.” The project will be entirely developed and financed by Miral. Disney will lead creative design, attraction development and operational oversight to provide a world-class guest experience. Upon completion, Miral will also operate this recreational destination, drawing on its extensive experience in developing and managing some of the leading family entertainment destinations on Yas Island and in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with prominent American and European brands. The company already operates SeaWorld and Warner Bros World where it is developing a Harry Potter-themed park.
Disney already has six theme parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and its most recent opening in 2016, in Shanghai. The new Disney theme park resort will showcase Disney storytelling combined with Abu Dhabi’s culture and iconic architecture.
Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Disney to bring its renowned storytelling to yet another region of the world with a completely new theme park experience that will be a cultural, entertainment and technological marvel.
“Abu Dhabi’s position as an international crossroads, its embrace of global culture, and its ambitious vision for the future make it a perfect location for Disney to reach millions of new families and captivate guests for generations to come.”
“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,” added Iger. “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.”
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral said, “Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future. 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.”
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said: “The concept for this resort will push the boundaries of theme park design, showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture, including a modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created.
“This project, together with our ambitious expansion plans in Florida and California, will create thousands of new jobs in the US as we enter into a new era of expansion.”
Disney has had great success with its international theme parks in destinations like Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo over the past decades. Currently, Disney has a 47% ownership interest in the operations of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and a 43% ownership interest in the operations of Shanghai Disney Resort. Disneyland Paris is fully owned by The Walt Disney Company. The International Theme Park’s cash flows for the first six months of the fiscal year, ending March 29, 2025, were $700 million provided by operating activities, $557 million used in investing activities, and $40 million for financial activities.
