Disney to Open Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

On May 7, 2025, The Walt Disney Company officially announced plans to build a new theme park — Disneyland Abu Dhabi. This will be Disney’s first park in the Middle East and the seventh in its global portfolio. The park will be located on Yas Island and promises to be the most technologically advanced Disney destination to date.

Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized that the park will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” blending beloved characters and stories with Abu Dhabi’s architecture, culture, and coastal scenery. A next-generation castle will serve as the centerpiece, inspired by crystalline structures and modern design.

The project is being developed in partnership with UAE-based company Miral, which will finance, build, and operate the park. Disney will license its brands and receive royalties, without investing capital directly.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to feature unique themed attractions, hotels, dining, and retail experiences that reflect both Disney storytelling and local culture. The park is part of Disney’s $60 billion global expansion plan over the next decade.

Yas Island is already home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The new Disney park will further establish Abu Dhabi as a leading global family tourism destination.

No official opening date has been announced yet, but developers aim to deliver the park “as quickly as possible” without compromising quality or innovation.