Disney has unveiled plans to establish its seventh theme park, marking a major expansion into the Middle East. The upcoming waterfront resort will be situated on Yas Island, located near Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement was made on May 7, 2025, with the park targeting the rapidly growing tourism sector in the region.
Yas Island is already a bustling entertainment destination, featuring attractions such as the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and a water park. With a population of around 9 million, Abu Dhabi has positioned itself effectively as a key travel hub, supported by long-haul airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways. These carriers facilitate approximately 120 million air travelers to the area annually, making it an ideal site for Disney’s new project.
Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based developer managing this initiative, will take charge of constructing and operating the theme park. Conversely, Disney will concentrate on the design and development aspects, licensing its intellectual property, and providing management services. Importantly, Disney will not directly fund the project but will instead generate revenue through royalties based on the park’s earnings and service fees.
The timing of this announcement coincides with an impending visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to the region, set to start on May 12, 2025. During this visit, Trump is anticipated to engage in discussions regarding various business agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, which could further enhance the region’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Although Abu Dhabi has often been regarded as a more conservative counterpart to the vibrant nightlife of neighboring Dubai, it boasts cultural attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and several museums that are currently under development. This cultural expansion, alongside the new Disney theme park, positions Abu Dhabi as an increasingly compelling spot for tourists.
Disney’s stock saw a significant rise of over 9% during morning trading on the day of the announcement, following the release of stronger-than-expected second-quarter financial results. This promising financial performance has further enhanced investor confidence in the company’s growth strategies.
Last year, Disney had already detailed plans to invest a remarkable $60 billion (€55.3 billion) in its theme parks globally over the next decade, highlighting the significance of this sector as a major revenue source. The new park in Abu Dhabi is expected to be a vital addition to Disney’s worldwide portfolio.
As this project progresses, many are keen to observe how the new theme park will influence the entertainment scene in the UAE. With its rich tapestry of culture, history, and contemporary attractions, Abu Dhabi is set to become an influential player in the global tourism industry.
In summary, the development of Disney’s seventh theme park in Abu Dhabi signifies a transformative moment for both the company and the region, potentially altering the tourism landscape in the Middle East.