Disney Announces Plans for Landmark Theme Park Resort in Abu Dhabi
The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, have announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. According to a statement released by The Walt Disney Company, the waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond.
This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters, and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said: "Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever."
The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral, with Disney and its legendary Imagineers leading creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. The Walt Disney Company reports that Miral, which has developed a number of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort. Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, commented: "This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity. As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways."
The UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism. With 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year, the region offers a substantial market for Disney’s new theme park resort. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, noted: "This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development. Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways."
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, added: "Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure. Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world." The development of unique experiences will support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi. According to The Walt Disney Company, this resort will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before.
As reported by The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi is set to become a major tourist destination, offering an unparalleled entertainment experience that combines Disney’s timeless characters and stories with Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.
