Disney is doubling down on its theme park ambitions, and its newest project could reshape the global entertainment landscape.
In 2025, The Walt Disney Company unveiled plans for its seventh theme park resort, with Abu Dhabi selected as the destination. The announcement is part of a broader plan to pour billions into Disney Experiences over the coming decade, highlighting how critical parks and cruises have become to the company’s future.
The new resort will rise on Yas Island, a destination already known for its growing lineup of attractions and experiences. Disney is partnering with Miral to develop the project, bringing its signature storytelling to the Middle East for the very first time.
The choice of Abu Dhabi is a calculated one. Positioned at a crossroads between continents, the city offers access to travelers from Europe, Asia, and Africa. For Disney, this opens the door to entirely new audiences while strengthening its global footprint.
When the project was first revealed, Disney leadership called it “a groundbreaking resort destination [that] represents a new frontier in theme park development.” He pointed to the opportunity to blend Disney’s iconic stories with the local culture and architecture, creating a destination that feels both familiar and new.
The waterfront location is expected to be a defining feature, allowing for creative experiences that incorporate the surrounding environment in fresh ways. Disney has not shared specifics yet, but the setting alone hints at something visually and conceptually different from its existing resorts.
Iger also noted that the park would be “authentically Disney” while reflecting the identity of the UAE. That balance is key, as Disney aims to deliver the magic fans expect while embracing the uniqueness of its new home.
Josh D’Amaro, who now leads the company as CEO, added another layer of intrigue by suggesting the resort could become the most technologically advanced Disney destination ever built. Though details remain scarce, the emphasis on innovation suggests the company is looking to push boundaries in how guests experience its parks.
As of now, Disney has not announced an opening date, attraction lineup, or featured franchises. Even so, the project’s scale has already captured attention across the theme park industry.
There were also questions about the resort’s future following rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the United States and Iran. Some wondered if Disney might delay or cancel the project altogether.
However, Disney addressed those concerns in its fiscal 2026 Q2 earnings report, confirming that development is continuing as planned. “We have multiple experience expansions underway using a capital-light model, including working with established local operators to bring a new cruise ship to Japan and a theme park resort to Abu Dhabi,” Disney explained in its report. “The strategic logic of our Abu Dhabi plans is unchanged. Major new theme parks are necessarily long-term in nature, given the lead time of these projects, and this investment approach has consistently benefited our business.”
The confirmation comes during a strong financial period for Disney Experiences, which saw revenue rise 7% compared to last year’s Q2. The company also reported a 5% increase in per guest spending at its domestic parks.
This continued growth reinforces Disney’s decision to expand into new regions. By entering the Middle East, the company is signaling that its future lies in reaching audiences beyond its traditional markets.
Although much about the Abu Dhabi resort remains a mystery, one thing is certain: Disney is committed to pushing forward with major investments in its parks division.
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