Disney Sets Sights on Abu Dhabi for First Middle East Theme Park with Miral Partnership

Walt Disney is making a bold move into the Middle East, announcing plans to open its first-ever theme park in the region—right in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The entertainment powerhouse has partnered with Miral, the developer behind Yas Island’s emergence as a global leisure destination. This will be Disney’s first major theme park launch in nearly a decade and signals a strong commitment to the region’s growing tourism economy.

The resort will be located on Yas Island, already home to major attractions such as Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and Yas Waterworld. In 2023, the island attracted more than 34 million visits, representing a 38% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores its appeal to both regional and international travelers.

Disney representatives noted that the Middle East has long been on their radar, and Abu Dhabi offered an ideal combination of opportunity, infrastructure, and vision. The city’s steady rise in visitor numbers and its multi-billion-dollar tourism strategy made it a natural choice for Disney’s next big venture.

Under the terms of the partnership, Miral will handle financing, construction, and daily operations of the park. Disney’s creative team, known as Imagineers, will oversee design and storytelling to ensure the signature Disney experience is maintained. Disney will earn royalties based on park revenues, aligning its interests with the park’s long-term success.

While an official opening date hasn’t been confirmed, large-scale projects of this nature typically require one to two years for design finalization and four to six years for construction. When completed, the park is expected to feature classic Disney storytelling infused with local cultural elements—creating an experience that is both globally recognized and locally inspired.

This development is part of Disney’s broader strategy to expand its Experiences division, which includes its six current theme park resorts, Disney Cruise Line, and Aulani in Hawaii. The company has pledged a $60 billion investment over the next decade aimed at enhancing its parks and doubling its cruise line capacity. The Abu Dhabi project is among the first major international efforts tied to that ambitious roadmap.

The UAE’s tourism sector is also undergoing a major transformation. Abu Dhabi, once primarily associated with oil wealth, is now investing over $10 billion in tourism and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Dubai is preparing to boost its airport capacity to 120 million passengers annually by 2026, reflecting the region’s growing ambition to become a global travel hub.

The idea for the partnership began when Miral approached Disney with its vision for elevating Yas Island into a world-class destination. After several collaborative discussions and site visits, the two companies formalized the agreement earlier this year. While financial specifics haven’t been disclosed, the collaboration is already being viewed as a game-changer for the region.

Miral’s CEO emphasized that bringing Disney to Yas Island represents a landmark achievement in positioning Abu Dhabi as a premier global destination.

FAQs: Disney Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

1. Why is Disney building a theme park in Abu Dhabi?

Disney sees the Middle East—particularly the UAE—as a fast-growing tourism hub with strong infrastructure, rising visitor numbers, and significant government investment in leisure and entertainment. Yas Island, with its 34 million+ annual visits, presents an ideal location to expand Disney’s global footprint.

2. Who is funding the Abu Dhabi Disney theme park?

The project will be fully financed, constructed, and operated by Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based developer responsible for Yas Island. Disney will earn royalties based on the park’s revenues but is not contributing direct capital investment.

3. What role will Disney play in the park’s development?

Disney’s Imagineering team will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight to ensure the park maintains the brand’s standards and storytelling excellence. Disney will also handle licensing and brand integration.

4. When is the Disney Abu Dhabi theme park expected to open?

No official opening date has been announced. However, Disney executives estimate it could take 1–2 years for design and 4–6 years for construction, suggesting a potential opening around 2030.

5. How does this fit into Disney’s global business strategy?

The Abu Dhabi park is part of Disney’s broader plan to “turbocharge” its Experiences unit, which includes theme parks, cruise lines, and resorts. In 2023, Disney committed $60 billion over 10 years to expand this segment.

6. What economic impact is expected for the UAE?

The park is likely to boost job creation, tourism revenue, and international visibility for Abu Dhabi. It also strengthens the UAE’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and into hospitality and entertainment.

7. How will this park be different from other Disney locations?

According to Disney CEO Bob Iger, the park will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” meaning it will blend classic Disney experiences with elements of UAE culture and regional storytelling.

8. Why did Disney partner with Miral?

Miral has a proven track record in creating successful leisure destinations on Yas Island and initiated discussions with Disney. The partnership allows Disney to enter the region without assuming direct development risk.

9. What does this mean for other regional theme parks?

Disney’s entry is expected to raise the bar for regional theme parks, increase competition, and drive further investment into the Middle East’s entertainment and hospitality sectors.

10. Is this Disney’s first theme park in nearly a decade?

Yes. This will be Disney’s first major park since the opening of Shanghai Disneyland in 2016, making it a significant milestone in the company’s international growth strategy.