Disney Unveils Seventh Theme Park in Abu Dhabi with Miral Partnership

Disney has revealed plans to launch its seventh theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island’s waterfront, in collaboration with Miral.

According to Disney Parks Blog, Miral, Abu Dhabi’s premier creator of immersive destinations and experiences, will fully develop, construct, and manage the new theme park. Miral is also behind other Yas Island attractions, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island.

Disney and its Imagineers will play a key role in the project, leading creative design and operational oversight to ensure a world-class experience. Disney CEO Bob Iger, speaking during the company’s Q2 2025 Earnings Call, noted that Disney is not investing capital but will earn royalties.

“We don’t have ownership,” Iger explained. “We own our intellectual property and license it to them under the agreement.”

This new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati - combing Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. ✨ https://t.co/M1GHeYgr4H #YasIsland… pic.twitter.com/IyjODlj9ar

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025

“This is an exciting milestone for our company as we unveil plans for a remarkable Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, a city with a deep appreciation for arts and innovation,” Iger said in a statement. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will emerge as a stunning blend of modern architecture and cutting-edge technology, delivering deeply immersive entertainment experiences in fresh, innovative ways.

“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will embody Disney’s essence while embracing Emirati culture, creating a unique oasis of extraordinary entertainment at this global crossroads. It will bring our timeless characters and stories to life in new ways, becoming a source of joy and inspiration for generations in this vibrant region.”

While details about the park remain limited, it will feature Disney’s first modern castle, depicted in concept art as a striking tower of glass or crystal with bold architectural design. The tagline, “A whole new world awaits,” suggests an Aladdin-inspired presence in the park.

Disney has been exploring this project since 2017, with Iger noting in an ABC News interview that plans solidified last year.

In a CNBC interview, Iger discussed the project’s timeline.

“We haven’t set an exact opening date,” Iger said. “Typically, design and development take 18 months to two years, with construction spanning about five years, but we’re not committing to a specific timeline yet.”

Iger highlighted that roughly one-third of the global population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, home to the world’s largest airline hub, with 120 million passengers passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually. This park will strategically fill a gap in Disney’s global presence, targeting the Middle East region.

“Abu Dhabi blends tradition with innovation, preserving its heritage while shaping the future,” said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral. “This partnership with Disney showcases the power of combining visionary leadership with creative excellence.

“Together with Disney, we’re crafting a new world of imagination in Abu Dhabi—an experience that will inspire generations globally, creating unforgettable moments and cherished memories for families.”

Upon completion, Disney’s portfolio will include Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disney, and this yet-to-be-named Abu Dhabi park.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasized that this resort will be “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio.”

“This pioneering resort marks a new era in theme park development,” D’Amaro said. “Set against a stunning waterfront, its unique location allows us to tell stories in entirely new ways. This project will bring Disney magic to more families in an uncharted region, celebrating the fusion of creativity and innovation.”

For more Disney updates, explore our experience at Walt Disney Imagineering, where we learned about the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, and discover details about Disneyland’s 70th anniversary and the Disney Destiny.