Disney has thrillingly announced the launch of its seventh theme park and resort, set to grace the waterfront of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This ambitious project is being brought to life in collaboration with Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences. Miral, already known for managing attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, will fully develop, build, and operate this new Disney-themed park.
While Disney will not invest capital in the construction, the company's involvement remains significant. Disney's Imagineers will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight, ensuring a world-class experience. Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, emphasized during the Q2 2025 Earnings Call that Disney will retain ownership of its intellectual property (IP) and will license it to Miral, receiving royalties without any ownership stake in the park itself.
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
In a statement, Iger expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the cultural synergy between Disney's storytelling and Abu Dhabi's appreciation for the arts and creativity. He described the park as "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," promising an oasis of extraordinary entertainment that will blend contemporary architecture and cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences.
A key feature of the new park will be Disney's first-ever modern castle, envisioned as a stunning glass or crystal tower, as seen in the concept art. The park's tagline, "A whole new world awaits," suggests a possible Aladdin-themed attraction.
Although the project has been in discussion since 2017, it was finalized last year, according to Iger in an ABC News interview. In a CNBC discussion, Iger shared that while the timeline is not set, typical development and construction phases could take up to seven years in total. He also pointed out the strategic location of the UAE, noting that about a third of the world's population is within a four-hour flight, and it hosts the world's largest airline hub, seeing 120 million passengers annually through Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, emphasized the fusion of heritage and innovation in Abu Dhabi, describing the collaboration with Disney as a demonstration of visionary leadership and creative excellence. He highlighted the project's potential to inspire generations and create lasting family memories.
Upon completion, this yet-to-be-named park will join Disney's global portfolio, which includes Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney. Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the new resort as the "most advanced and interactive destination" in their portfolio, leveraging its unique waterfront location to tell Disney stories in innovative ways and reach new audiences worldwide.
For more Disney-related news, don't miss our coverage of our visit to Walt Disney Imagineering to explore the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic and everything you need to know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary and the Disney Destiny.
