The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The beachfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class entertainment and leisure destination connecting visitors from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort combines Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning coastline and stunning architecture.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said: “Abu Dhabi is a place where tradition meets innovation, and we are designing the future while preserving the past.” “The partnership between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the extraordinary results of combining visionary leadership with creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a new imaginary world, an experience that will inspire generations in the region and around the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. By developing unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a premier destination around the world.”
The new resort will be fully developed and constructed by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to deliver a world-class experience. Miral has partnered with US and European brands to develop family entertainment destinations on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, which will be operated by Miral.
“This is an exciting time for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, a place rich in culture and filled with an appreciation for art and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from the land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to provide guests with an immersive entertainment experience in a unique and modern way. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be truly Disney and uniquely the UAE – an extraordinary oasis of Disney entertainment at the crossroads of the world that will bring our timeless characters and stories to life in a variety of new ways and will be a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region for generations to come.”
The UAE is only a four-hour flight from one-third of the world's population, making it an important tourism gateway. The UAE is home to the world's largest global aviation hub, with 120 million passengers passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.
“This groundbreaking resort represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced, interactive destination in our portfolio. The unique location of our park, anchored by the beautiful waterfront, will allow us to tell our stories in a whole new way. This project will reach guests in an entirely new part of the world, welcoming more families than ever to experience Disney. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what is possible when creativity and progress come together.”
“Bringing Disney Theme Park Resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further elevate the island's status as a preeminent global entertainment and leisure destination,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Group. “Together we are creating a place of boundless innovation and our leadership's vision will continue to inspire the world. The development of unique experiences will support continued economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences and storytelling that celebrates Disney’s heritage and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
