Disney to open first Middle East theme park in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

Dubai: Abu Dhabi is set to welcome the Middle East’s first Disney theme park, following a strategic partnership between The Walt Disney Company and Miral, the capital’s leading developer of immersive destinations. The new resort will be located on Yas Island, a global entertainment hub known for its world-class attractions.

Announced on Wednesday, May 7 by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Miral, along with Disney CEO Bob Iger, the partnership marks a major milestone in the UAE’s tourism and entertainment sector.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, attended the announcement of the upcoming Disney Theme Park Resort on Yas Island.

The Yas Island Disney resort will become Disney’s seventh theme park destination globally, joining its existing locations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Positioned strategically to serve visitors from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia and Europe, the resort is expected to attract millions of regional and international tourists.

Miral will lead the full development and construction of the destination, while Disney will be responsible for the creative vision, attraction design and operational planning. Once completed, Miral will manage the resort, drawing on its extensive experience in running successful entertainment destinations in collaboration with major global brands.

The new theme park aims to deliver a unique blend of Disney’s iconic storytelling, innovative attractions and immersive experiences, tailored to both regional and global audiences. It forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy to position itself as a global leader in cultural and family tourism.