A Disney Theme Park is coming to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
The Walt Disney Company and Miral, a leading developer of entertainment destinations in Abu Dhabi, have announced plans to build a large-scale Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island. This will be Disney’s seventh resort worldwide and the first in the Middle East and Africa. The announcement was celebrated early May with a spectacular drone show featuring more than 9,000 drones.
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Yas Island | ‘World-class destination for entertainment and leisure’
Located on the coast, Yas Island is a popular leisure and entertainment destination, home to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Yas Island. The upcoming Disney resort will combine iconic stories, characters, and attractions with the culture, architecture, and hospitality of Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage and innovation come together,” said H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral. “Together with Disney, we are creating a world of imagination that will inspire generations.”
The resort will be developed and built by Miral, while Disney’s renowned Imagineers will lead the creative design and oversee quality. The park will feature themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and cutting-edge attractions. Disney CEO Robert A. Iger emphasized, “This new resort will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati. It will be a crossroads of cultures where our beloved characters and stories come to life in innovative new ways.”
Thanks to the strategic location of the United Arab Emirates — within a four-hour flight for one-third of the world’s population (including Africa, India, Asia, and Europe) — the resort is expected to attract a wide international audience. Over 120 million passengers travel annually through Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described it as “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. Its waterfront setting allows us to tell our stories in completely new ways.” Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, added: “This collaboration strengthens Yas Island’s position as a global hotspot for entertainment and supports sustainable economic growth in Abu Dhabi.”
The project highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainable development and tourism as key pillars for the future. More details will be revealed as the project progresses.
Watch the announcement video below:
Website: The Walt Disney Company, The Miral Group and Yas Island
