Walt Disney has officially unveiled plans to open its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, marking a significant expansion for the entertainment giant. The new resort will be located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and will be developed in partnership with Miral, a leading leisure and entertainment company in the region. This ambitious project will further establish Yas Island as a premier global destination for entertainment and tourism.
Yas Island, a rapidly growing entertainment hub, is located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and approximately 50 minutes from Dubai. The island is already home to several major attractions, including SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World. Additionally, Miral is currently developing a Harry Potter-themed park, further solidifying Yas Island's reputation as a prime destination for family entertainment.
According to Disney, the UAE is strategically positioned within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it an ideal location to attract visitors from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Disney highlighted that over 120 million passengers pass through Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports annually, positioning the Emirates as a significant global travel hub.
Disney currently operates six major theme parks worldwide, spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. The most recent addition was in 2016 with the opening of Shanghai Disneyland. The planned Abu Dhabi resort will become Disney’s seventh international theme park and its first in the Middle East, a region that has seen exponential growth in tourism and entertainment infrastructure in recent years.
Disney CEO Robert Iger described the project as a “thrilling” new chapter for the company, emphasizing that Disneyland Abu Dhabi would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” This statement suggests that the park will incorporate regional culture and design elements while retaining the signature Disney magic that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the CEO of Miral, stated that the Disney theme park project is a “milestone” in the ongoing development of Yas Island as a global entertainment destination. He emphasized that the park would not only boost tourism but also contribute to sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE.
Miral has been instrumental in transforming Yas Island into a major entertainment hub. With attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld, the company has successfully positioned the island as a leading destination for family-friendly entertainment in the region.
Disney’s first theme park, Disneyland, opened in Anaheim, California, in 1955, followed by Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in 1971. The company began its international expansion in 1983 with the launch of Tokyo Disneyland. This was followed by Disneyland Paris in 1992, Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005, and Shanghai Disneyland in 2016.
The decision to establish a presence in the Middle East reflects Disney’s ongoing strategy of expanding its global footprint and tapping into emerging markets. With the UAE serving as a gateway to millions of international visitors, the new Abu Dhabi resort is poised to become a significant revenue driver for the company.
Alongside the announcement of the new park, Disney reported better-than-expected financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The company’s revenue increased by 7% to $23.6 billion, driven by higher attendance at US parks and a rise in cruise ship bookings following the launch of the Disney Treasure ship.
The Disney+ streaming platform also added 1.4 million new subscribers despite a recent price increase, defying predictions of a subscriber decline. This growth in revenue and consumer engagement has given Disney the financial stability to pursue ambitious projects like the Yas Island resort.
Danni Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell, noted that Disney’s financial performance is particularly impressive given the broader economic uncertainty in the US. "While many companies are grappling with concerns over consumer spending and rising costs, Disney is feeling confident and pushing forward with bold expansion plans," she said.
Disney’s decision to open its first theme park in the Middle East is a bold strategic move that underscores the company’s confidence in the region’s potential as a major tourist destination. Partnering with Miral, a company with a proven track record in entertainment development, further strengthens Disney’s ability to deliver a world-class experience tailored to both local and international visitors.
As construction and development plans unfold, all eyes will be on Yas Island as it prepares to welcome one of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands. For Disney, this new venture represents not only a milestone in its global expansion but also a significant opportunity to connect with a diverse and growing audience in the heart of the Middle East.
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