The Walt Disney Company and Miral have joined forces to develop a Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE. The resort will be located on Yas Island, a leisure and entertainment hub in the capital.
The project will be Disney’s seventh theme park resort globally and the first in the Middle East. It will feature Disney attractions and characters, integrated with elements reflecting the local culture and environment.
Miral will oversee the full development and construction of the resort. Disney will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight through its Imagineering team. Miral, which has previously partnered with international brands on Yas Island, will operate the site.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, group CEO of Miral, said that bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marked a significant step in the company’s efforts to enhance the island’s status as a global destination for entertainment and leisure.
The UAE’s geographical location, within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, positions it as a key travel hub. Its aviation infrastructure, including major airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, handles over 120 million passengers annually.
Once completed, the resort will include Disney-themed entertainment, accommodation, dining, and retail. The project is expected to contribute to the tourism sector and support long-term economic development in Abu Dhabi.
Miral chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said. “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, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever.”
Robert A Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company, added: “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Experiences, remarked: “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.”
Further details will be announced as the project progresses.
