New Disney theme park coming to Abu Dhabi on Yas Island
Disney Experiences and entertainment company Miral will open a new theme park, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, on Yas Island.
Disney and Miral announced the project on May 7, 2025.
Walt Disney Imagineering will design the new Abu Dhabi theme park and resort, which will be built and operated by Miral, and Abu Dhabi-based company. This is similar to the operations of Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, which is designed by Disney and operated by Oriental Land Company.
Disney did not announce any specific attractions in its initial reveal, nor did the company share which franchises will be represented in the Abu Dhabi theme park.
Yas Island is currently home to SeaWorld, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Ferrari World.
Disney CEO Bob Iger referred to the new park as “Disneyland Abu Dhabi” in his remarks about the project.
“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” Iger said, “an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will
bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a
source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations
to come.”
Iger’s sentiments echo a few benchmarks in Disney history. “Authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati” abridges Iger’s previous challenge for Imagineers to create Shanghai Disneyland as “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese.” Iger calling the Abu Dhabi destination “a source of joy and inspiration” is a direct callback to Walt Disney himself, who used those very same words in the original Disneyland’s dedication in 1955.
“Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences. “The location of our park is incredibly unique — anchored by a beautiful waterfront — which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”
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