2025-05-07T13:05:01Z

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The Walt Disney Company has officially announced its plans to open its first theme park in the Middle East, marking a significant expansion of its global entertainment footprint. The new resort will be situated on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and is the result of a collaborative effort between Disney and the local leisure and entertainment company, Miral. This new venture will represent Disney's seventh resort worldwide, following the success of six existing parks located in North America, Europe, and Asia. The most recent addition to Disney's portfolio was in Shanghai, which opened its doors in 2016.

Yas Island is rapidly becoming a prominent tourist destination, largely due to its development spearheaded by Miral. The island is already home to several major attractions, including SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World, and is in the process of developing a Harry Potter-themed park, further enhancing its appeal to visitors. The collaboration with Disney is seen as a vital step in positioning Yas Island as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure.

In a statement regarding the new theme park, Disney highlighted the strategic location of the UAE, noting that it is within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population. This makes the UAE a crucial gateway for tourism, enhancing the potential visitor pool significantly. Additionally, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai collectively hosting around 120 million passengers annually, the Emirates has established itself as one of the largest airline hubs globally.

Disney's Chief Executive Officer, Robert Iger, expressed enthusiasm about the new project, describing it as a "thrilling" moment in the company’s history. He emphasized that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," blending the beloved Disney experience with the rich cultural heritage of the region. The expansive Yas Island covers 25 square kilometers and is conveniently located just 20 minutes away from downtown Abu Dhabi and approximately 50 minutes from Dubai, making it easily accessible for both locals and international travelers.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the CEO of Miral, also shared his excitement about the project's significance. He referred to the opening of a Disney theme park resort in the region as a "milestone" in their ongoing journey to elevate Yas Island's status as a global entertainment hub. He highlighted the positive economic implications, stating that this development would support sustained economic growth not only in Abu Dhabi but across the broader region. Disney's historic journey in theme park development began in 1955, with the opening of its first park in Anaheim, California. Following this, Walt Disney World was established in Orlando, Florida in 1971. The company expanded internationally in 1983 with the launch of a park in Tokyo, followed by Disneyland Paris in 1992, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in 2005, and Shanghai Disneyland in 2016. The ambitious plans for the Abu Dhabi theme park are poised to continue this legacy of growth and innovation.