Abu Dhabi, UAE — Walt Disney has unveiled plans to establish its first theme park in the Middle East, marking a significant move into a new and burgeoning market. The resort will be located on Yas Island, a prime entertainment hub being developed in collaboration with local company Miral. This venture signifies Disney’s continuing expansion beyond its six established parks situated across North America, Europe, and Asia, the newest of which opened in Shanghai in 2016.
Yas Island has swiftly become a go-to destination, with Miral already managing attractions like SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World. The island is also in the process of developing a Harry Potter-themed park, further enhancing its appeal to tourists. In its announcement, Disney highlighted the UAE’s strategic location, noting that it is within a four-hour flight of one-third of the global population, underscoring its potential as a significant tourism hub. With 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually, the Emirates stands out as a leading global airline center.
Disney CEO Robert Iger characterized the announcement as “thrilling,” emphasizing that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will offer an experience that is both “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” The planned 10-square-mile resort is situated just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and approximately 50 minutes from Dubai, making it accessible for both locals and international visitors. Iger’s statements reflect a growing recognition of the region’s tourism potential.
Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi welcomed the partnership, describing the introduction of a Disney park as a pivotal achievement in enhancing Yas Island’s reputation as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure. He expressed confidence that the development would significantly contribute to sustained economic growth not only in Abu Dhabi but across the broader region.
Disney’s history of theme parks began in 1955 with the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Since then, the company has expanded internationally, debuting parks in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and most recently, Shanghai. Each new park has adapted to local cultures while retaining the beloved Disney charm.
In a session announcing the new park, Disney reported strong financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, with revenue climbing 7% to $23.6 billion. The Disney+ streaming service also saw a boost of 1.4 million new subscribers, defying earlier projections of a slight downturn due to increased pricing. Attendance at U.S. parks has surged, with guests spending more, reflecting a trend that suggests a recovery in consumer confidence.
Danni Hewson, an analyst at AJ Bell, highlighted that while many companies in the U.S. continue to grapple with economic uncertainties, Disney exudes confidence. This newfound optimism aligns with the company’s strategic moves to diversify its offerings and enhance its global presence.
As Disney prepares to embark on this exciting journey into the Middle East, the integration of local culture with its iconic entertainment experience could set a new standard for theme parks worldwide, attracting visitors from near and far to the magical world of Disney in Abu Dhabi.