ABU DHABI – H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the announcement of the Disney Theme Park Abu Dhabi project on Yas Island, following a strategic partnership agreement between The Walt Disney Company and Miral.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled emphasized that the development of this groundbreaking entertainment project reflects the global standing of both the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi as premier destinations in the international leisure and tourism sector. He also underlined that the creative and cultural economy has become a vital component of the UAE’s strategy for economic diversification and GDP growth, in alignment with the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries.
During the high-profile announcement, Sheikh Khaled was joined by several senior officials, including:
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Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Miral
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Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport
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Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council
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Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral
Strategic Location and Global Significance
Miral, known for creating immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, has formalized an agreement with The Walt Disney Company to develop this world-class theme park on Yas Island’s vibrant waterfront. Already established as a top-tier global entertainment hub, Yas Island serves as a strategic gateway to tourism markets across the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe.
The Abu Dhabi Disney resort will be Disney’s seventh theme park destination worldwide, joining the ranks of:
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Disneyland (California)
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Walt Disney World (Florida)
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Tokyo Disney Resort
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Disneyland Paris
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Hong Kong Disneyland
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Shanghai Disney Resort
A Visionary Future for Entertainment and Tourism
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak stated,
“Abu Dhabi stands as a unique model where authentic heritage meets a bold vision for the future. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world.”
He also emphasized that the development would significantly reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for cultural and family tourism.
Project Leadership and Execution
The Disney Theme Park Abu Dhabi will be entirely developed and constructed by Miral, while Disney will lead the creative design, attraction development, and operational oversight. Upon completion, the resort will be operated by Miral, drawing on its successful track record in managing iconic destinations like Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Global Impact and Innovation
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, noted:
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Disney to bring its renowned storytelling to yet another region of the world with a completely new theme park experience that will be a cultural, entertainment, and technological marvel.”
He praised Abu Dhabi’s global openness and forward-looking vision as key to the success of this venture.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, added:
“The concept for this resort will push the boundaries of theme park design, showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture, including a modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created.”
He also highlighted the positive global economic impact of Disney’s expansion, which includes new job creation in the U.S. and beyond.
Conclusion
The Disney Theme Park Abu Dhabi is poised to be a transformative project that will shape the future of family and cultural tourism in the UAE and across the region. By combining Disney’s legendary storytelling with Abu Dhabi’s vision for global tourism leadership, Yas Island is set to welcome a magical destination that will capture the hearts of millions for generations to come.
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