Business

Disney Sets Its Sights on an Enchanting New Theme Park and Resort

Published

2 months ago

05/07/2025

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Disneyland Abu Dhabi will become the seventh theme park from the Walt Disney Company, marking a significant expansion into the Middle East.

ORLANDO, Fla. — On Wednesday, Disney officially announced plans to construct a new theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This development will enrich the company’s global portfolio of theme parks.

The project, revealed prior to Disney’s second-quarter earnings call, will be developed by Miral, a local developer. Through a regulatory filing, it was disclosed that Disney will license its intellectual property and offer management services without making any capital investments.

Instead, Disney intends to earn royalties based on the park’s revenue, in addition to service fees for its oversight.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. He emphasized that the park would harmoniously blend Disney’s legacy with Emirati culture, showcasing cutting-edge technology alongside traditional artistic themes.

“The park will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati—a source of joy and inspiration for generations,” Iger stated, highlighting the immersive entertainment expected from this new location.

This announcement marks the first new Disney theme park revealed since Shanghai Disneyland was announced in 2010, signifying a noteworthy development in the company’s theme park strategy.

In a conversation with CNBC, Iger refrained from providing a specific opening date but mentioned that Disney imagineers are already at work on the park’s design. He noted the typical timeline for such projects: “It usually takes us 18 months to two years for design and development, followed by approximately five years to build.”

Notably, Disney pointed out that about one-third of the world’s population resides within a four-hour flight of the UAE, indicating the potential customer base for the new resort.