Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — The Walt Disney Company has unveiled plans to establish a new theme park and resort on Yas Island, marking an exciting expansion into the Middle East. This development is a collaborative effort with Miral, an immersive experience company, and will represent Disney’s seventh theme park globally.
While Disney will not invest capital in the project, it will oversee creative design and operational direction through its renowned imagineers. The partnership is anticipated to yield royalties for Disney, making it financially beneficial without the direct investment. The park and resort project is not included in Disney’s stated commitment of $60 billion for global theme park enhancements over the next decade.
In a recent statement, CEO Bob Iger shared his enthusiasm for this venture, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture as an excellent backdrop for Disney’s brand. He emphasized that the park will blend modern architecture with innovative technology, aiming to provide guests with immersive experiences unlike any other.
Design work is already in progress, but Iger noted that no specific opening date is yet determined. “Typically, design and development take between 18 months to two years, with construction requiring around five years,” he explained. The exact timeline remains flexible as the company evaluates the project’s progression.
The announcement follows a successful fiscal second quarter for Disney, where its experiences segment, which includes theme parks and cruises, saw a 6 percent increase in revenue compared to the previous year. This area is pivotal for Disney, accounting for nearly 60 percent of its operating income.
Disney has made gradual inroads into the UAE market over the past few years, expanding its retail presence and offering live entertainment shows. Iger noted that the company began considering the UAE for future resorts around 2017 but faced delays due to the pandemic and leadership changes. The location presents a unique opportunity, with about one-third of the global population within a four-hour flight, providing access to a potential tourist base of approximately 500 million.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, remarked on the groundbreaking nature of this resort, suggesting it will be a significant leap in theme park development. He appreciates the waterfront setting of Yas Island, which offers a distinctive chance to narrate Disney’s stories in innovative ways, aiming to engage families and tourists from across the globe.
Yas Island is already a bustling hub for entertainment, boasting attractions such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit. The new Disney park will feature themed accommodations, diverse dining options, and retail experiences that integrate Disney’s storytelling with the region’s cultural richness.
The anticipation surrounding this development suggests that it will expand Disney’s reach in a new corner of the world, enhancing its reputation as a leader in the global entertainment industry. With its commitment to immersive experiences and state-of-the-art attractions, the upcoming theme park promises to attract visitors and support the growing tourism landscape in the UAE.