Disney announces plan for new theme park in Abu Dhabi
- Walt Disney Company is developing its first theme park in the Middle East on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
- The park will be funded and constructed by Miral, while Disney will provide creative design oversight.
- This expansion aims to tap into the growing tourism market in the UAE and is seen as a significant opportunity for both companies.
On May 7, 2025, the Walt Disney Company revealed plans to open its first theme park in the Middle East, located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This development marks a significant expansion for Disney, which had not announced a new theme park in 15 years. The park will be a collaboration with Miral, a local company responsible for the development of Yas Island as a major tourist destination, which already houses attractions like Ferrari World and SeaWorld. Disney's involvement includes the design and operational oversight of the park, but it will not financially invest in the project, indicating a shift in their international strategy. Disney's decision to enter the UAE market is strategically timed, as the region is a transportation hub with around one-third of the global population living within a four-hour flight. This presents a substantial opportunity for future attendance, given that an estimated 500 million people could feasibly visit the park, tapping into a market that is likely underexplored compared to its parks in China. Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized the plan as a