Disney has introduced that it’s going to formally be opening its seventh theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi on the waterfront of Yas Island with the assistance of Miral.
As detailed by Disney Parks Blog, this new theme park can be absolutely developed, constructed, and operated by Miral, which is Abu Dhabi’s “main creator of immersive locations and experiences” and is liable for different such experiences on Yas Island like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island.
Disney and its Imagineers will nonetheless be closely concerned within the challenge and can “lead artistic design and operational oversight to offer a world-class expertise.” Furthermore, Disney’s CEO Bob Iger stated in Disney’s Q2 2025 Earnings Call that the corporate is investing no capital however will nonetheless get royalties.
“So, there is no possession,” Iger stated. “We personal our IP and license it to them is actually the settlement.”
This new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi can be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – combing Disney’s iconic tales, characters and points of interest with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant tradition, gorgeous shorelines, and breathtaking structure. ✨ #YasIsland… pic.twitter.com/IyjODlj9ar
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025
“This is an exciting second for our firm as we announce plans to construct an thrilling Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose tradition is wealthy with an appreciation of the humanities and creativity,” Iger additionally stated in an announcement. “As our seventh theme park vacation spot, it’s going to rise from this land in spectacular vogue, mixing up to date structure with cutting-edge expertise to supply visitors deeply immersive leisure experiences in distinctive and fashionable methods.
“Disneyland Abu Dhabi can be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney leisure at this crossroads of the world that can carry to life our timeless characters and tales in lots of new methods and can change into a supply of pleasure and inspiration for the individuals of this huge area to take pleasure in for generations to come back.”
While we did not study an excessive amount of extra about this new park, it was confirmed that it is going to be anchored by Disney’s first-ever fashionable citadel. In a chunk of idea artwork shared with the announcement, it seems just like the citadel can be a tower of glass or crystal with some gorgeous structure. The tagline, ‘A complete new world awaits,” additionally hints at Aladdin being a part of the park.
Disney has been significantly discussing this challenge since 2017, however Iger talked about in an interview with ABC News that it was “crystalized” final 12 months.
Iger additionally spoke to CNBC and mentioned a bit in regards to the timeline of this challenge.
“We’re not pinning down a date but,” Iger stated. “It usually takes us between 18 months and two years to design and absolutely develop and roughly 5 years to construct however we’re not making any commitments proper now.”
Iger then famous that round 1/3 of the world’s inhabitants lives inside a couple of four-hour flight of the UAE, which can also be dwelling to the biggest international airline hub on this planet that sees 120 million passengers touring by Abu Dhabi and Dubai yearly. This additionally will fill in properly on this planet map of Disney Parks, as it’s going to fill the hole the corporate has within the Middle East area.
“Abu Dhabi is a spot the place heritage meets innovation, the place we protect our previous whereas designing the long run,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, stated. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the exceptional outcomes of mixing visionary management and artistic excellence.
“What we’re creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a complete new world of creativeness — an expertise that can encourage generations throughout the area and the world, creating magical moments and reminiscences that households will treasure eternally. Through the event of distinctive points of interest and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a vacation spot of alternative for the world.”
When this park is full, Disney can have Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Honk Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disney, and this at present unnamed park in Abu Dhabi.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, added that this resort would be the “most superior and interactive vacation spot in our portfolio.”
“This groundbreaking resort vacation spot represents a brand new frontier in theme park growth,” D’Amaro stated. “The location of our park is extremely distinctive – anchored by an exquisite waterfront – which can enable us to inform our tales in utterly new methods. This challenge will attain visitors in a complete new a part of the world, welcoming extra households to expertise Disney than ever earlier than. Ultimately, it is going to be a celebration of what’s potential when creativity and progress come collectively.”
For extra on this planet of Disney, try our expertise of being invited to Walt Disney Imagineering to study extra in regards to the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic and all the pieces it’s good to find out about Disneyland’s seventieth anniversary and the Disney Destiny.
Adam Bankhurst is a author for IGN. You can observe him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and take heed to his present, Talking Disney Magic.
