In a bold move that has drawn both excitement and skepticism, Disney announced in spring 2025 that it will collaborate with Abu Dhabi-based Miral Group to develop a new theme park resort on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates. The announcement marks Disney’s seventh global theme park destination and its first in the Middle East.
The project will follow a development model similar to that of Tokyo Disney Resort, where the Oriental Land Company builds and owns the park while Disney leads on creative and operational fronts. In this case, Miral Group will oversee the development and construction, with Disney Imagineers managing design and guest experience.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company,” Disney CEO Bob Iger stated during the announcement. “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati, blending cutting-edge technology with immersive storytelling to offer extraordinary experiences that reflect the region’s appreciation for art and creativity.”
Despite Iger’s optimism, the history of theme park development in the UAE is marked by high ambitions and frequent setbacks. Several projects announced over the past two decades either failed to materialize or were eventually abandoned due to financial or logistical challenges.
Among the most notable was Universal Dubailand, announced in 2007 through a partnership between Universal Studios and Dubai government-owned developer Tatweer. Plans called for a 20 million square foot park with attractions based on blockbuster franchises including Jurassic Park, King Kong, and Ghostbusters. Although ground was broken in 2008, construction quickly stalled and the project was officially canceled in 2016.
That same year, Six Flags also partnered with Tatweer to announce a separate 5 million square foot theme park in Dubai. The project was derailed by the global financial crisis and never progressed beyond the planning phase. Six Flags later made a second attempt in 2014, this time with Meraas Leisure and Entertainment for a park at the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex. Though construction began in 2016, financial concerns ultimately led to its cancellation in 2019.
The Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, which did open, currently includes Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World (formerly Bollywood Parks Dubai), and Legoland Dubai. However, a 2024 report revealed troubling figures, with visitor numbers and revenue down 69% and 71% respectively from 2019 levels.
In contrast, Miral Group—the company behind the upcoming Disney resort—has a more successful track record. It operates four largely indoor theme parks on Yas Island: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. These attractions contributed to over 38 million visits to Yas Island in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year.
Industry analysts note that the indoor design of Miral’s parks allows for year-round operation in the UAE’s extreme climate—a feature expected to be replicated in the new Disney park. Current plans confirm that the Disneyland Abu Dhabi resort will include significant indoor elements.
While the success of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is far from guaranteed, Disney’s strategic partnership with Miral—coupled with lessons learned from past regional failures—could position the venture for long-term viability. Further details on the project timeline, investment, and attractions are expected in the coming months.
