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A major announcement has taken the entertainment world by storm: The Walt Disney Company is partnering with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s powerhouse in destination development, to bring a Disney theme park and resort to Yas Island. This marks Disney’s seventh global resort and its very first in the Middle East — a massive leap forward for Abu Dhabi as it continues to cement its position on the global tourism map.
Set along the sparkling waterfront of Yas Island, the upcoming Disney resort promises more than just rides and characters. It’s being designed as a complete entertainment destination, combining Disney’s signature magic with the UAE’s unique cultural essence. This isn’t a cookie-cutter theme park — it’s a one-of-a-kind blend of Emirati heritage and Disney storytelling, all powered by cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking design.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be developed by Miral and operated with Disney’s full creative guidance. Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind every Disney destination worldwide, will lead the design process, ensuring the new park lives up to the brand’s world-class standards.
Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, summed it up perfectly: this park will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
Abu Dhabi’s strategic location played a major role in Disney’s decision. One-third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, and more than 120 million passengers travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually. The city is already home to some of the region’s top cultural and entertainment spots, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, and SeaWorld. Now, with Disney joining the mix, Yas Island is evolving into one of the most dynamic leisure hubs in the world.
Disney’s Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasized that this project isn’t just about expansion — it’s about innovation. He called the Abu Dhabi resort Disney’s most “tech-forward” destination to date. Built along the water, the park will take advantage of its unique setting to offer storytelling experiences never seen before.
From the beginning, this project has been about more than just business. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of blending tradition with innovation. As Miral’s Chairman, H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, put it: “We are creating a whole new world of imagination that will inspire generations.”
This partnership with Disney represents the next chapter in Yas Island’s journey — a place that already draws millions each year and is home to award-winning attractions and luxury resorts. Adding Disney to the lineup only raises the bar, turning the island into a must-visit for families around the world.
While full details of the attractions and layout are still under wraps, here’s what we do know:
Most importantly, Disney will embed its magic into every detail, while Miral ensures local relevance and a seamless guest experience.
Beyond entertainment, the new Disney resort is set to drive major economic and tourism growth. It will generate jobs, boost hospitality and retail sectors, and attract visitors from all corners of the world. As Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: “This marks a historic milestone in establishing Yas Island as a global destination.”
Disney’s decision to invest here speaks volumes about the confidence international brands have in the UAE. And with this development, the country continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in travel, leisure, and culture.
The Walt Disney Company is a global entertainment leader, operating across three segments: Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences. Known for creating iconic characters, films, and destinations, Disney inspires billions of people around the world through storytelling and innovation. In 2024, Disney reported an annual revenue of $91.4 billion.
Disney Experiences brings the magic of Disney’s beloved franchises into real life through theme parks, resorts, cruises, retail, and more. The division operates six world-class resort destinations with 12 theme parks globally and is also behind Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and immersive family adventures.
Miral is Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences. Responsible for iconic attractions like Ferrari World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World, Miral also manages Yas Island’s destination strategy. The company continues to develop experiences that boost tourism, support economic growth, and highlight Abu Dhabi’s cultural richness.
The upcoming Disney resort on Yas Island isn’t just another theme park — it’s a symbol of progress, imagination, and collaboration. It celebrates the coming together of two powerful visions: Disney’s global storytelling legacy and Abu Dhabi’s bold ambition to be a world leader in entertainment and innovation.
As details unfold over the next few years, one thing is certain: the magic of Disney is about to shine in the heart of the UAE. And for families, dreamers, and Disney fans across the region and beyond, the countdown to unforgettable memories has already begun.
This partnership between Disney and Miral is more than a tourism milestone — it’s a powerful signal to investors. The arrival of a world-class destination like Disneyland Abu Dhabi raises the bar for real estate, hospitality, and lifestyle developments across the region. Properties around Yas Island are already seeing increased interest, and the long-term value of investing in Abu Dhabi’s leisure hubs is stronger than ever.
As Abu Dhabi continues to attract global icons and visionary projects, the city’s skyline, economy, and communities are transforming. Disney’s presence will not only bring magic to Yas Island but also inspire a wave of new developments, from luxury residences to retail, entertainment, and hospitality ventures.
this isn’t just about a theme park — it’s about reshaping how we live, invest, and imagine the future of the UAE.
Source: Content referenced and adapted from www.yasisland.com and www.hollywoodreporter.com
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