The Magic Begins: Disney’s First Middle East Theme Park to Open in Abu Dhabi

A New Theme Park is Coming to Yas Island! That’s Right — Abu Dhabi has become home to the Middle East’s first-ever Disney destination. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, witnessed the historic announcement of the Disney Theme Park Resort project during the official signing of a strategic partnership between The Walt Disney Company and Miral. Here’s everything we know so far about the brand-new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi.

Is There a Disneyland in the UAE? Now There Will Be!

The Walt Disney Company announced on Wednesday, 7th May that it has partnered with Miral to develop a new theme park and resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The grand announcement of the global resort was attended by key government officials and executives, including His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Miral. 

His Highness Sheikh Khaled highlighted that the development aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries—driving economic diversification and supporting sustainable GDP growth.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger, in a separate statement.

About Disneyland Abu Dhabi

Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be located on the vibrant Yas Island waterfront—already a world-renowned destination for leisure and tourism. Also, it is going to be the seventh global resort destination by The Walt Disney Company, joining the ranks of Florida, California, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

Upon completion, the new Disney park will feature one state-of-the-art theme park and accommodations along with distinctive dining and retail experiences that blend Disney’s iconic storytelling with Abu Dhabi’s cultural richness and forward-looking spirit.

Yas Island already stands as a premier destination for entertainment and retail, home to world-renowned attractions like Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, along with the iconic Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit.

The Walt Disney Company and Miral: A Ground-Breaking Collaboration

Miral, the master developer behind several of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic destinations—including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World—is spearheading the development of the Disney resort. Disney will lead the creative design, attraction development, and operational planning, ensuring that the guest experience remains world-class and true to the brand’s legacy of storytelling and innovation.

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, called it “an extraordinary opportunity” to bring Disney magic to a new region, while Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, hinted at a “modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created,” showcasing pioneering technologies and architectural marvels.

Golden Opportunity for Investors and Homeowners

At Provident Estate, we recognize the ripple effect that such transformative projects have on the real estate landscape. The arrival of Disneyland Abu Dhabi will not only elevate Yas Island’s projects global appeal but is also expected to significantly increase demand for residential, hospitality, and commercial properties in and around the island.

For investors, this means early opportunities in high-growth zones poised for appreciation. For homeowners, it offers the prospect of living in a world-class entertainment corridor that combines luxury, leisure, and lifestyle—just steps away from iconic attractions.