A Magical Milestone: Disney Sets Sights on a Spectacular Theme Park in the UAE
Walt Disney has revealed ambitious plans to inaugurate its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, situated on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This exciting development is a collaboration between Disney and Miral, a local entertainment firm responsible for enhancing Yas Island’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.
Disney currently operates six theme parks across North America, Europe, and Asia, with its last opening in Shanghai in 2016. The UAE’s strategic location—within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population—is seen as a crucial gateway for tourism, which Disney aims to capitalize on. 120 million passengers transit through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually, making the region the largest global airline hub.
Disney’s CEO, Robert Iger, heralded this endeavor as a “thrilling” milestone, promising that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will offer an experience that is both “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” The 10-square-mile Yas Island is conveniently located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, emphasized that this project would enhance Yas Island’s status as a global entertainment destination, aiding in the sustained economic growth of Abu Dhabi and the wider region. Since the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 1955, Disney has steadily expanded internationally, including parks in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
In conjunction with this announcement, Disney also reported strong quarterly results for early 2025, showing a 7% revenue increase to $23.6 billion and growth in their Disney+ streaming service, which added 1.4 million subscribers. Attendance at U.S. parks has increased, reflecting a trend where visitors are spending more, and Disney cruises are seeing a boost with the launch of the Disney Treasure. Iger expressed confidence in Disney’s resilience against macroeconomic uncertainties and competition, a sentiment echoed by industry analysts noting Disney’s robust performance amid broader economic concerns.