Disney to Build 7th Global Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to build its seventh global theme park in the United Arab Emirates, choosing Yas Island in Abu Dhabi as the new location for its next major entertainment destination.

The announcement was made during a special event attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The theme park and resort project, dubbed the Disney World Resort Abu Dhabi, is being developed under a strategic partnership between Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations, and The Walt Disney Company.

Sheikh Khaled emphasized that the establishment of this flagship project underscores the UAE’s global standing as a premier hub for entertainment tourism.

He added that the creative and cultural economy plays a vital role in economic diversification and GDP growth, aligning with the country’s national strategy for cultural and creative industries.

Yas Island, already recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment hubs, is strategically located to connect key tourism markets across the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe. This new venture will further elevate Abu Dhabi’s position as a top family tourism destination.

The Disney resort in Abu Dhabi will become the seventh of its kind worldwide, following successful Disney locations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

Miral will oversee the development and construction of the entire resort, while Disney will provide creative direction and operational support. This includes the design of immersive attractions and themed experiences that will reflect Disney’s legacy of storytelling and innovation.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, expressed pride in this landmark achievement. He noted that the collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney represents a fusion of visionary leadership and creative excellence. He highlighted that the resort will offer unforgettable experiences for families across the region and the world, creating a legacy of magical memories.

Disney CEO Bob Iger described the project as an extraordinary opportunity to expand Disney’s universe to a new region, noting Abu Dhabi’s reputation for cultural diversity, visionary leadership, and global appeal. Iger said this park would allow Disney to engage with millions of new families and guests for generations to come.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said the new resort would represent a bold new chapter in theme park design. He revealed that it would include a futuristic castle unlike anything previously built by Disney, featuring cutting-edge technology and innovative architectural concepts.

D’Amaro added that this project, along with Disney’s expansion plans in Florida and California, is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the United States, marking a transformative period of growth for the company.

With the expertise of Miral in managing major entertainment venues across Yas Island, and Disney’s global reputation for excellence, the Disney World Resort Abu Dhabi is set to become a landmark destination blending imagination, technology, and cultural richness.