Disney announces UAE theme park plans

THE Walt Disney Company announced plans on Wednesday to build a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, marking its first new park in nearly a decade.

The new theme park will be built in partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading developer. It will be located on Yas Island, hoping to “connect travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond.”

This will be Disney’s seventh theme park. It will feature Disney’s iconic stories alongside the region’s cultural influences.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, highlighted the significance of the project.

“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation… What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world,” he said. 

Disney made the announcement just before U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next week.

“This is an exciting moment for our company as we announce plans to build a Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, a place with a deep appreciation for the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Other Disney resorts are located in Anaheim, California (Disneyland), Orlando, Florida (Walt Disney World), Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. 

Each park is known for combining immersive attractions and storytelling, making them major tourist destinations around the world.