Disney Abu Dhabi announcement further elevates UAE position as global cruise destination

The Walt Disney Company has announced a major international expansion with the development of a Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral, the developer behind Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a global entertainment and leisure hub.

The new waterfront resort will mark Disney’s seventh global theme park destination and its first in the Middle East. The development will blend Disney’s beloved characters and storytelling with Abu Dhabi’s architectural heritage, cultural vibrancy, and innovative spirit, creating a major new tourist attraction in the Arabian Gulf port circuit.

Miral will fully fund and develop the resort, while Disney will oversee creative design and provide operational insight through its acclaimed Imagineering team. The resort will offer themed accommodations, signature Disney entertainment, retail and dining experiences, and new storytelling concepts unique to the region.

 “Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral. “What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever.”

Yas Island is already home to several leading attractions, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island, and the F1 Yas Marina Circuit.

The addition of a Disney resort and theme park is expected to further cement the island’s standing as a premier international destination for families, leisure travellers, and cruise passengers calling in the UAE.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

“As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways,” he added.

With the UAE situated within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, the new development is expected to draw regional and international visitors alike.

Abu Dhabi’s growing popularity as a cruise destination adds further connectivity, with Yas Island positioned to benefit from growing fly-cruise and cruise-tourism segments, especially in terms of cruise tourists choosing to extend their stay in the city before or after their voyage.

“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,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “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.”

No opening date has been announced yet, but the resort is expected to become a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s tourism and entertainment landscape, with long-term benefits for the region’s cruise, aviation, and hospitality sectors.