The Walt Disney Company has this week officially announced its intention to develop a seventh theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This expansion will see Disney partner with Miral, a prominent Abu Dhabi-based creator of immersive experiences.

The upcoming resort will be located on Yas Island, an established global destination for leisure and entertainment. This placement aims to attract a broad international audience, connecting travellers from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. The project intends to integrate Disney’s renowned storytelling, characters, and attractions with the distinct culture and environment of Abu Dhabi, including its shorelines and architecture.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, commented on the collaboration, stating, “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. 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.”

Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, highlighted the significance of this expansion: “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. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati—an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world.”

Miral will oversee the development and construction of the resort, while Disney’s Imagineers will be responsible for the creative design and operational guidance to ensure a high-quality guest experience. Miral has a track record of developing family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, including popular attractions like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and will manage the resort’s operations.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasized the innovative aspects of the project: “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. 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.”

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, noted the strategic importance for Yas Island: “Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure.”

Upon completion, the resort will feature signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail options, all designed to celebrate both Disney’s legacy and Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity.

While specific details regarding the park’s layout, attractions, and opening timeline are yet to be announced, this development marks a significant expansion for The Walt Disney Company’s theme park portfolio. It signals a strategic move to tap into a new and growing global tourism market.

Personally I’m super excited about the prospect of a brand new Disney park opening up! Living in the UK, this will be the second closest Disney park for us Brits (after Paris) and I’m really eager to see how Disney and Miral collaborate to bring Disney Abu Dhabi to life. Disney’s partnership with Miral follows a well-established trend of collaborating with local experts in destination development and management, as seen with the Oriental Land Company for the Tokyo Disney Resort and with Miral’s track record of current entertainment destinations, I have full confidence that the park will be first class.

What are your initial thoughts on this new Disney venture? What kind of unique integrations of Disney and Emirati culture are you hoping to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below.