Disney Unveils Plans for First Middle East Theme Park on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

The Walt Disney Company revealed on Wednesday its plans to establish its seventh global theme park, which will also be its inaugural theme park in the Middle East. The new resort is slated for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, a well-known tourism hub that already hosts major attractions such as the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and a large waterpark.

Disney will collaborate with Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based developer, which will oversee the construction and operational management of the new theme park. Disney’s role will focus on leading the design and development process, licensing its intellectual property, and providing management services for the resort.

According to a regulatory filing, Disney will not invest capital directly into the project. Instead, the company will generate revenue through royalties tied to the resort’s earnings, supplemented by service fees for its management contributions.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has intensified its efforts to develop cultural and tourism sectors in recent years. Traditionally regarded as more conservative compared to neighboring Dubai, Abu Dhabi is home to notable institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and is currently expanding its museum offerings.

The announcement of Disney’s Middle East theme park comes just ahead of a scheduled visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to the Gulf region. During this visit, President Trump is expected to announce multiple business agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

The timing of the announcement coincided with Disney’s release of better-than-expected financial results for the second quarter of the year. Following the news, Disney’s shares surged by more than 9% in early trading sessions.

While the project’s opening date has not been disclosed, the development of the park on Yas Island is poised to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading tourist destination in the Middle East.

This strategic partnership between Disney and Miral reflects a growing trend of international entertainment companies investing in the Gulf region’s expanding leisure and cultural markets. The project is expected to leverage Disney’s globally recognized intellectual property to attract visitors from across the region and beyond.