Disney is set to establish a theme park and resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The renowned American media and entertainment company is partnering with Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based organization, to develop the new park on Yas Island, located near the city.
Miral already manages several attractions at this site, including SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World.
This announcement comes ahead of an upcoming visit by President Trump to the region, during which he plans to unveil various business agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
Construction and operations of the theme park will be handled by Miral, while Disney will oversee the design and development aspects, though they are not providing financial backing for the project.
Disney will receive royalties and service fees; however, details regarding which characters and franchises will be featured in the park remain undisclosed.
Earlier this year, Universal received permission to develop its first European theme park and resort, which is expected to debut in Bedfordshire in 2031.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, both companies expressed that the resort will feature themed accommodations, dining options, and retail spaces, along with storytelling elements that celebrate both Disney’s heritage and the cultural and futuristic essence of Abu Dhabi.
“Our resort in Abu Dhabi is set to be the most innovative and engaging destination in our portfolio. The unique location of our park, complemented by a stunning waterfront, will enable us to tell our stories in entirely new ways,” commented Josh D’Amaro, chair of Disney Experiences.
Sky News inquired about the timeline for the project from Disney and Miral but was informed that it is too early to provide any specifics since the agreement was recently finalized.
The UAE is situated within a four-hour flight from a significant portion of the global population and operates the world’s largest airline hub, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually.
Disney currently operates six resorts, with the first one opening in California in 1955, followed by locations in Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
The announcement regarding the UAE resort coincided with Disney’s release of quarterly financial results that surpassed expectations, buoyed by growth in its Disney+ streaming service and robust performance from its theme parks. Revenue increased by 7% to $23.6 billion, while operating income reached $4.4 billion.