Disney has officially revealed plans for its seventh global theme park destination – a spectacular waterfront resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, developed in collaboration with local partner Miral.

A Fusion of Disney Magic and Emirati Culture

According to the Disney Parks Blog, this ambitious project will see Abu Dhabi's Miral - known for delivering immersive experiences like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi - handle the full development and operations. Disney Imagineers will maintain creative control to ensure the park delivers that signature Disney magic while celebrating local heritage.

This new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati ✨ https://t.co/M1GHeYgr4H #YasIsland… pic.twitter.com/IyjODlj9ar

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025

Innovative Business Model

During the Q2 2025 earnings call, CEO Bob Iger clarified Disney's unique approach: "We're licensing our IP rather than investing capital. This allows us to expand our global footprint while minimizing financial risk."

Architectural Marvels Await

The park will feature Disney's first contemporary glass-and-crystal castle, with preliminary concept art revealing a stunning modern take on the traditional park centerpiece. The "A Whole New World" tagline strongly suggests Aladdin will play a central role in the themed lands.

Strategic Global Expansion

Having initially explored this opportunity back in 2017, Disney finally greenlit the project last year. Iger noted during interviews that construction typically takes about five years after the design phase, though no opening date has been confirmed.

The location couldn't be more strategic - within four hours' flight for one-third of the world's population. Combined with the UAE's status as a global travel hub (serving 120 million passengers annually), this positions the park to become Disney's gateway to the Middle Eastern market.

A Meeting of Visionaries

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, emphasized: "This collaboration represents the perfect marriage of Abu Dhabi's innovative spirit with Disney's creative excellence. Together we're building far more than an amusement park - we're creating a new world of imagination for generations to enjoy."

The yet-to-be-named resort will join Disney's existing properties in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro promised it would be "our most technologically advanced destination yet," leveraging its unique waterfront setting to tell stories in revolutionary new ways.

For more Disney updates, explore our coverage of Walt Disney Imagineering's first Audio-Animatronic exhibit and Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebrations.