Disneyland Abu Dhabi Theme Park on Yas Island

Disney and Abu Dhabi's Miral announced the partnership in 2025. Miral will build and operate the resort, while Disney's Imagineers lead the creative design and provide operational oversight. Plans include Disney-themed lands and attractions, themed hotels, dining and shopping, in a setting described as Emirati in style and fully Disney in experience.

The project fits Abu Dhabi's plan to grow family tourism and make Yas Island one of the world's leading leisure destinations. For visitors it means more reasons to stay longer: a Disney day can sit beside a Formula 1 weekend, a waterpark, a concert at Etihad Arena or a beach afternoon. Themed Disney hotels are planned as part of the resort, so a stay on property should be possible once it opens, as at Disney's other resorts around the world.

Families already come for Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, with Sphere Abu Dhabi also on the way. Find Yas Island hotels, and see our tips for family travel and theme parks across the region.

Abu Dhabi is about 13 hours nonstop from New York; the cooler months from November to March are best for park days.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the company's first new resort destination in many years and its first in the Middle East. It is designed for a waterfront setting, and Miral, which created Yas Island's existing theme parks, brings deep local experience. Disney has described a resort that blends modern Emirati architecture with Disney storytelling, and early concept art suggests open-air areas and fireworks over the water.

Abu Dhabi sits within about four hours' flight of a third of the world's population, so the resort is expected to draw families from across the Gulf, India, Europe and Africa as well as the United States.