Walt Disney is planning a theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, the company confirmed Wednesday. The attraction is on the waterfront of Yas Island, already a leisure destination.
The new resort will be built, funded and operated by Abu Dhabi-based developer Miral. Walt Disney Co. and Walt Disney Imagineering lead creative design and operational oversight. Use the Disney Licensed property.
“Disneyland Abu Dhabi is a real Disney and obviously becomes Emirati, which serves as an extraordinary Disney entertainment oasis for millions of people at this crossroads in this world, bringing together travelers from the Middle East, India, Asia, Europe and more.
Josh Damaro, chairman of Disney Experience, promoted the opportunity.
“Our park location is very unique and secured on a beautiful waterfront. “This project reaches guests in a whole new part of the world and welcomes more families than ever to experience Disney.”
“What we create at Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination: an experience that inspires local and world generations and creates magical moments and memories that families cherish forever.”
Igar said Imagineer is already working on designing the Abu Dhabi resort.
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“While Disney oversees design licensing, our IP and provides operational expertise, Miral provides capital construction resources and operational oversight,” Iger says.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (licensed by Orlando-based United Parks & Resorts), Warner Bros World, Ferrari World and Yas Water World Parks are currently operating on Yas Island.
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The announcement will not affect the planned $30 billion commitment for Disney Parks in Florida and California, Iger said.
In an interview with CNBC, Igar said it would take about two years to develop the park and five years to build.
The announcement came shortly after Walt Disney’s quarterly revenue report. This includes increased revenue and operating profit for the parks and destinations. Domestic park revenues increased by 9%, while operating profit increased by 13%. International Park revenue fell by 5%, due to reduced attendance and increased costs at Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland.
Iger was cautious about the theme park visit moving forward.
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“In spite of questions about macroeconomic uncertainty and the impact of competition, we are encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business, as evidenced by these revenues and late bookings at Walt Disney World,” he said.
Walt Disney Co.’s total revenue rose 7% to $23.6 billion in the company’s second fiscal quarter.
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Original issue: May 7, 2025 8:48am EDT
