Abu Dhabi will be home to the seventh Walt Disney theme park resort, in a partnership with Miral, a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based entertainment company, Disney announced Wednesday.
An opening date has not been announced, but the Walt Disney Company said in a news release that Miral, which is led by a top Emirati official, will develop and build the waterfront park on the popular tourist destination Yas Island. Disney’s “Imagineering” team will lead creative design and operational oversight, per the announcement.
“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati — an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
“As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways,” he added.
The new Disney park will grow the UAE’s expansive portfolio of partnerships with entertainment industry leaders, including The Louve, Formula 1 racing, Sea World and Warner Bros., which all have signature attractions in Abu Dhabi.
“The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence,” Miral chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council governing body, said in a statement.
“Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world,” he added.
The deal was disclosed in Disney’s quarterly investor filing on Wednesday. It noted that the company will not provide funding for the project but will earn royalties based on the park’s revenues and receive some service fees.
The park is expected to include themed accommodations, dining and retail on site.
The announcement also comes as President Trump is expected to visit the Middle East next week, including a potential stop in the UAE, as the administration works to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.
