Miral says the development of the Disney theme park continues steadily in Abu Dhabi.
Plans to bring Disneyland to Abu Dhabi remain firmly on track, with Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the project.
In a public message, Al Zaabi highlighted ongoing collaboration with The Walt Disney Company while congratulating Thomas Mazloum on his appointment as Chairman of Disney Experiences.
Overall, the statement reinforces confidence in the long-term development of one of the region’s most anticipated tourism projects.
Strategic Partnership With Disney
The Disneyland Abu Dhabi project was first announced in May 2025 through a partnership between Miral and The Walt Disney Company, marking the brand’s first theme park destination in the Middle East.
Once completed, the development will become Disney’s seventh global resort, joining established destinations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
As a result, the project represents a strategic expansion of Disney’s global footprint and strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a major tourism hub.
Yas Island Positioned as Key Location
The project is expected to take shape on Yas Island, which already serves as a central entertainment destination in the UAE.
The island currently hosts major attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld, creating an ecosystem that supports large-scale tourism and family entertainment.
Meanwhile, industry signals point to Yas North as the likely site, given the scale required for a Disney resort.
Long-Term Development Timeline
Theme park developments of this scale follow extended timelines. Industry guidance indicates:
- One to two years for design and planning
- Four to six years for construction
This places a potential opening window in the early 2030s.
Recent updates, including images of a site visit shared by Disney CEO Bob Iger, confirm that early-stage development is progressing.
A Distinctive Disney Experience
The Abu Dhabi park is expected to introduce new design elements that set it apart from existing Disney resorts.
Notably, plans include integrating waterfront features into the park’s layout, including a castle design connected to water, a first for the brand.
In addition, The Walt Disney Company has described the concept as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” highlighting a blend of global storytelling with regional cultural identity.
Strategic Impact on Tourism
Beyond design, the project is expected to attract global visitors while strengthening the UAE’s tourism ecosystem.
It also aligns with broader efforts to position Abu Dhabi as a destination for large-scale entertainment, hospitality, and cultural experiences.
Ultimately, the continued progress signals long-term confidence from both Miral and Disney in the region’s growth potential.
The Disneyland Abu Dhabi theme park will become Disney’s seventh theme park destination globally, joining its existing locations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Supplied/Miral
Source: Gulf News
