H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has officially announced the development of the Disney Theme Park Resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The project follows a landmark strategic partnership agreement between Miral, the emirate’s leading creator of immersive destinations, and The Walt Disney Company.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted that the project reflects the growing importance and global reputation of the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi as a premier destination in the leisure and tourism sector. He also underscored the vital role of the creative and cultural economy as a key pillar of economic diversification, aligning with the goals of the UAE’s National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries.
Accompanying H.H. Sheikh Khaled at the announcement were several senior officials, including Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Miral; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Crown Prince’s Office; and Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral.
The new Disney resort will be located on the Yas Island waterfront, one of the world’s top entertainment destinations, strategically positioned to connect major tourism markets across the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe. This will become Disney’s seventh theme park destination worldwide, joining its flagship resorts in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak praised the project, saying, “Abu Dhabi stands as a unique model where authentic heritage meets a bold vision for the future, preserving our past while building a promising tomorrow. This collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney showcases the remarkable power of visionary leadership and creative excellence. Together, we are creating a new world of imagination that will inspire generations, creating unforgettable memories for families around the world. With such attractions, Abu Dhabi strengthens its status as a top global destination for culture and family tourism.”
Miral will fully develop and build the resort, while Disney will oversee creative design, attraction development, and operational management to ensure a world-class guest experience. Once completed, Miral will operate the destination, leveraging its extensive expertise in managing leading entertainment venues on Yas Island and across Abu Dhabi in partnership with renowned American and European brands.
Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, called the project “an extraordinary opportunity” to expand Disney’s legendary storytelling into a new region. “Abu Dhabi’s status as an international crossroads, its embrace of global culture, and its ambitious vision make it the ideal location for Disney to reach millions of new families and captivate generations to come,” he said.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, added, “This resort concept will push the boundaries of theme park design, integrating groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture — including a modern castle unlike anything Disney has ever created. Alongside our expansion plans in Florida and California, this project will help create thousands of new jobs in the U.S. as we enter a bold new era of growth.”
With this milestone development, Abu Dhabi is set to further enhance its reputation as a dynamic, family-friendly global destination, attracting visitors from all corners of the world.
