Entertainment giants Disney makes a bold expansion into the Middle East with an immersive new theme park experience
The entertainment giant will bring its iconic brand of magic to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the resort set to rise on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
This marks Disney’s seventh theme park resort globally, adding to its celebrated lineup that includes parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The most recent addition before this new project was the Shanghai Disney Resort, which opened its gates in 2016.
The ambitious Abu Dhabi resort will be a collaborative venture between Disney and Miral, the UAE-based leisure and entertainment company behind several high-profile developments on Yas Island.
The partnership aims to merge Disney’s storytelling excellence with local cultural elements, creating a destination that is, in the words of Disney CEO Robert Iger, “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
A Strategic Location for Global Tourism
In its public statement, Disney highlighted the strategic importance of the UAE as a global travel hub.
The company noted that the country is within a four-hour flight radius of one-third of the world’s population, making it a prime location for attracting international visitors.
“More than 120 million passengers pass through the airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai every year, making the Emirates the largest global airline hub in the world,” Disney stated. This accessibility is a key factor in the decision to situate the new resort on Yas Island—a man-made tourism and entertainment hotspot located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai.
Yas Island: A Growing Entertainment Powerhouse
Yas Island has been steadily developing into one of the Middle East’s premier entertainment destinations. The 10-square-mile island already boasts attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Miral, the local partner in the Disney project, is also working on a Harry Potter-themed park in collaboration with Warner Bros., further boosting the island’s profile as a hub for global entertainment brands.
“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral. “This development will also support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
A New Era of Global Expansion
Disney’s theme park journey began with the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 1955. This was followed by Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida in 1971. The company’s international expansion kicked off in 1983 with Tokyo Disneyland, and then continued with Disneyland Paris in 1992, Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005, and Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016.
The Abu Dhabi project represents a significant next step in the company’s strategy to expand its global footprint and tap into emerging tourism markets. While full details on the theme park’s design and featured attractions have not yet been disclosed, early indications suggest the resort will blend classic Disney storytelling with localized themes, reflecting the cultural richness of the UAE and the broader Middle Eastern region.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Industry analysts suggest that the new Disney resort will have a major economic impact, not only by boosting tourism but also by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors. The investment is also expected to enhance Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a world-class family destination, complementing the UAE’s broader efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.
The announcement comes at a time when Disney is aggressively repositioning itself to focus more heavily on international markets and immersive experiences. The move aligns with CEO Robert Iger’s broader vision to rejuvenate the brand’s theme park division and maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive global entertainment landscape.
“This is a thrilling moment for Disney,” Iger said. “We believe Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be unlike anything we’ve ever done before. It will offer a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates both the magic of Disney and the unique spirit of the Emirates.”
What Comes Next?
Though a specific opening date has not yet been confirmed, construction on the Abu Dhabi park is expected to begin in the near future. The timeline for development will likely span several years, with more detailed announcements anticipated regarding themed lands, attractions, and entertainment offerings.
As global tourism continues to rebound post-pandemic, Disney’s bet on the UAE seems both timely and strategically sound. With its central location, ambitious infrastructure, and growing demand for high-quality family entertainment, Abu Dhabi could prove to be Disney’s most transformative international venture yet.
Walt Disney’s entry into the Middle East underscores a new chapter in its storied history—one that reflects both the evolving tastes of global audiences and the company’s ability to adapt to new markets. If successful, Disneyland Abu Dhabi could become a crown jewel not just for Disney, but for the entire region, symbolizing the power of entertainment to bridge cultures and bring people together.
