Michelle ThompsonWalt Disney has revealed plans to launch its first theme park in the Middle East, located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, through a partnership with local entertainment firm Miral.
The new resort adds to Disney’s global portfolio of six theme parks across North America, Europe, and Asia, with its most recent debut in Shanghai in 2016. Miral, which is shaping Yas Island into a major tourist hub, already manages SeaWorld and Warner Bros World and is working on a Harry Potter-themed attraction.
Disney highlighted the UAE’s strategic location—within a four-hour flight for a third of the global population—and noted that 120 million travelers pass through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually, making the Emirates a key international aviation center.
Disney CEO Robert Iger called the Abu Dhabi project a “thrilling” step, saying the park would combine Disney’s signature elements with Emirati culture. Yas Island spans 25 square kilometers and lies close to both downtown Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Miral’s CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, said the project is a landmark in advancing Yas Island’s status as a premier global entertainment hub and will help drive long-term economic growth in the region.
Disneyland began in Anaheim, California in 1955, followed by parks in Florida (1971), Tokyo (1983), Paris (1992), Hong Kong (2005), and Shanghai (2016).
Disney Expresses Strong Confidence in its Middle East Expansion Plans.
On Wednesday, Disney reported stronger-than-expected performance for the first quarter of 2025, with revenue rising 7% to $23.6 billion (£17.7 billion).
Disney+ gained 1.4 million new subscribers, defying earlier projections of a slight drop due to recent price increases. U.S. theme park attendance also increased, with visitors spending more, and cruise bookings surged following the debut of the Disney Treasure ship.
CEO Robert Iger expressed optimism, citing the company’s strength and resilience amid economic uncertainties and competitive pressures.
Danni Hewson of AJ Bell noted that while many U.S. companies are concerned about how tariffs might affect consumer spending, Disney remains optimistic.
