Disney Announces First-Ever Theme Park in the Middle East.
Walt Disney is officially heading to the Middle East, announcing plans to open a brand-new theme park in the United Arab Emirates. The highly anticipated resort will be located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral, a prominent local entertainment and tourism developer.
This marks Disney’s first theme park in the region and its seventh globally, joining iconic destinations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The new UAE-based attraction reflects Disney’s ambitions to expand into rapidly growing global markets.
Yas Island is already home to major attractions like SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World. Miral is also working on a Harry Potter-themed park, reinforcing its commitment to turning the island into a global hub for world-class entertainment.
In its announcement, Disney emphasized the strategic significance of the UAE as a tourism gateway, pointing out that one-third of the world’s population is within a four-hour flight of the country. “120 million passengers travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year,” the company noted, “making the Emirates the biggest global airline hub in the world.”
Disney CEO Robert Iger expressed excitement about the new project, calling it a “thrilling” moment for the company. He assured fans that Disneyland Abu Dhabi would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” signaling a blend of classic Disney magic with local culture and identity.
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Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi echoed the sentiment, calling the development a “milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure.” He added that the new park will “support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
Disney’s expansion news came alongside a positive financial report. The company posted better-than-expected results for Q1 2025, with a 7% revenue increase to $23.6 billion. Disney+ added 1.4 million subscribers, defying expectations of a dip due to recent price hikes. Theme park attendance and cruise bookings are also up.
Financial analyst Danni Hewson from AJ Bell noted Disney’s optimism amid broader economic uncertainties: “Despite questions around any macroeconomic uncertainty or the impact of competition, I’m encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business,” Iger said.
As the Middle East continues to evolve into a dynamic tourism powerhouse, the arrival of Disney further cements the region’s reputation as a global entertainment destination. Yas Island is quickly becoming the crown jewel of Abu Dhabi’s leisure strategy, offering experiences that rival the best in the world. With world-class attractions and seamless international connectivity, the UAE is poised to lead the next chapter in global tourism—and Disney’s entry is a powerful vote of confidence in that bright future.
