Walt Disney Company Sets Sights on Abu Dhabi with First Middle East Theme Park, Boosting Luxury Travel in Amusement Market

Walt Disney Company sets sights on Abu Dhabi with first Middle East theme park, boosting luxury travel in amusement park market. That’s the game-changing announcement sending shockwaves through the global entertainment industry. Once again, Walt Disney Company sets sights on Abu Dhabi with first Middle East theme park, boosting luxury travel in amusement park market with unmatched ambition and strategy.

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It’s not just a park. It’s a promise. As Walt Disney Company sets sights on Abu Dhabi with first Middle East theme park, boosting luxury travel in amusement park market, Yas Island prepares for a transformation—and the world prepares for a new benchmark in themed luxury travel. The vision is bold. The execution will be historic.

In a bold move that marks its first major theme park in nearly a decade, Walt Disney Company has announced plans to build a world-class resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This historic development signals Disney’s entry into the Middle East tourism market—and positions Yas Island as a global entertainment juggernaut.

The new park will be a collaboration with regional developer Miral Group, the same company behind Abu Dhabi’s other megawatt attractions like Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and Yas Waterworld. Together, the two brands aim to create an immersive, culturally blended experience that appeals to global audiences and local families alike.

Yas Island: Where Disney Dreams Meet Emirati Heritage

Located just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island recorded over 34 million visits in 2023, a staggering 38% increase from the previous year. With proven foot traffic and tourism momentum, Disney’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time.

The planned Disney waterfront resort will feature signature attractions, themed dining, and retail experiences, promising a magical fusion of Disney storytelling and Emirati culture.

A First for the Middle East—and a Global Statement

This will be Disney’s first-ever theme park in the Middle East, and the company’s first major park since Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016. As part of Disney’s broader strategy to “turbocharge” its Experiences division, the Abu Dhabi project is a symbolic and strategic leap forward.

“We’ve always been interested in this part of the world—to bring our Disney stories to new, younger fans,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences.

Disney will not own the park but will provide creative oversight via Imagineers and earn royalties based on revenue. Miral will fund, build, and operate the project, though exact investment figures have not been disclosed.

Why Abu Dhabi, Why Now?

Abu Dhabi is no stranger to vision and scale. While oil has long been its economic backbone, the city has pivoted toward infrastructure, entertainment, and tourism investments, announcing more than $10 billion in new development.

The upcoming park strengthens this pivot, creating a cornerstone attraction that complements Abu Dhabi’s plan to diversify its economy and boost international arrivals. Moreover, Dubai’s airport expansion—set to handle 120 million passengers annually by 2026—adds a regional connectivity edge.

The Magic Behind the Business: Disney’s Strategic Play

The announcement aligns with Disney’s earlier $60 billion commitment to double down on parks, cruise lines, and immersive experiences over the next decade.

From an investor’s standpoint, this deal is low-risk, high-reward. Disney leverages its globally powerful IP and brand appeal while Miral assumes operational and financial responsibility. It’s a textbook example of international brand scaling with localized execution.

CEO Bob Iger described the vision as an “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati” experience—a theme park that respects and reflects the region’s heritage while delivering world-famous entertainment.

Timeline and Expectations

Although Disney has not revealed an exact opening date, D’Amaro hinted that a project of this magnitude typically takes 1–2 years to design and 4–6 years to build. That puts the likely launch window sometime between 2030 and 2032.

Meanwhile, development is already underway. Disney executives visited the proposed site in September 2023 and returned in February 2024 to finalize discussions. The formal agreement was sealed shortly after.

What It Means for Abu Dhabi and the Region

For Abu Dhabi, this is more than just another tourism project—it’s a global branding milestone.

“This is a historic moment for us,” said Miral Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, celebrating the addition of Disney to Yas Island’s entertainment roster. With Disney’s help, Miral hopes to elevate Yas into a household name worldwide, not just within the Middle East.

The resort is expected to generate thousands of new jobs, catalyze hospitality and airline growth, and draw travelers from across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Conclusion: Magic at the Crossroads of the World

As tourism continues to evolve post-pandemic, travelers are seeking destinations that blend culture, innovation, and experience. Disney’s move into Abu Dhabi positions the UAE as a 21st-century tourism hub, combining regional identity with global entertainment excellence.

With Yas Island’s proven popularity and Disney’s storytelling mastery, this new resort is poised to redefine family travel—not just in the Middle East, but across the globe.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/walt-disney-company-sets-sights-on-abu-dhabi-with-first-middle-east-theme-park-boosting-luxury-travel-in-amusement-market/