Disney and Miral Plan Futuristic Theme Park on Yas Island Near Abu Dhabi

Disney and the United Arab Emirates developer Miral have announced plans to create the most technologically advanced Disney theme park and resort near Abu Dhabi. This new waterfront destination will be located on Yas Island, approximately 20 miles from Abu Dhabi city, with a potential opening in the early 2030s.

As Disney's seventh theme park, it will blend contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to deliver deeply immersive entertainment experiences. Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized the park's modern approach to storytelling and guest interaction, highlighting its unique waterfront location on Yas Island.

The project has been in discussion for over a decade, with Disney aiming to incorporate advanced technologies such as Unreal Engine to seamlessly integrate characters and stories into attractions. Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, described the resort as a new frontier in theme park development, promising the most advanced and interactive destination in Disney's portfolio.

Yas Island already hosts several major entertainment venues, including Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld. The addition of a Disney park will further enhance the region's appeal as a global entertainment hub.

Industry experts view this development as a strategic move by Disney to expand its global footprint into the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa—regions with large potential guest markets that have had limited access to Disney parks until now. This park is expected to attract new fans rather than divert visitors from existing Disney resorts.

The collaboration with Miral suggests a high-budget, ambitious project that could push the boundaries of theme park innovation. Fans anticipate a park filled with headline attractions comparable to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, featuring advanced robotics and free-roaming characters that create a futuristic and immersive environment.

Early concept art reveals a strikingly modern castle design, signaling a departure from traditional Disney castles and underscoring the park's forward-thinking vision. This innovative approach aligns with Disney's commitment to delivering unique guest experiences through technology and storytelling.