Exciting News: Disney Set to Launch Its First Middle East Theme Park!

Walt Disney is gearing up to open its first theme park in the Middle East, marking an exciting new chapter in the company’s history. This new resort will be located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, a project developed in partnership with the local company, Miral.

Disney has six theme parks around the globe, and its last opening was in Shanghai in 2016. Yas Island, developed by Miral, is already a popular tourist destination hosting attractions like SeaWorld and Warner Bros World. Additionally, there are plans for a Harry Potter-themed park.

In announcing this project, Disney emphasized the UAE’s strategic location. About one-third of the world’s population is within a four-hour flight. Plus, 120 million passengers travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai every year, making it a major global airline hub.

Disney CEO Robert Iger shared his excitement, calling this development a “thrilling” moment for the company. He noted that Disneyland Abu Dhabi would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”

Yas Island spans 25 square kilometers and is conveniently located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. Miral’s CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, praised the park as a pivotal step in elevating the island’s status as a global entertainment destination. He believes it will stimulate ongoing economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Disney’s recent performance also reflects its growing confidence. In the first three months of 2025, the company saw a 7% revenue increase, reporting $23.6 billion. The Disney+ streaming service added 1.4 million subscribers, defying earlier predictions of a decline. Furthermore, US parks experienced a rise in attendance and spending, along with increased bookings for its cruise ships with the recent launch of the Disney Treasure.

Dannie Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, noted Disney’s robust position, especially when many U.S. businesses are cautious about economic uncertainties. “Even with concerns over consumer spending and tariffs, Disney remains confident,” he said.

The venture into Abu Dhabi highlights Disney’s commitment to expanding its global footprint while adapting to local cultures and tastes—setting the stage for an exciting blend of entertainment in the Middle East.

For further reading, you can explore the recent announcement from Disney [here](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68855122).

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