Abu Dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the announcement of the Disney Theme Park Resort project on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, following a strategic partnership agreement between The Walt Disney Company and Miral.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the development of this entertainment project in Abu Dhabi underscores the importance and global standing of both the United Arab Emirates and the emirate as a leading destination in the leisure tourism sector. He also noted that the creative and cultural economy has become a key pillar in supporting economic diversification and enhancing GDP growth, aligning with the objectives of the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries.
During the project announcement, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed was accompanied by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Miral; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Crown Prince's Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court; and Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral.
Miral, recognized as Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, has reached an agreement with The Walt Disney Company to develop the new Disney Theme Park Resort on Yas Island waterfront, a premier entertainment destination globally. Strategically located, Yas Island serves as a gateway connecting major tourism markets across the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe. This project will be Disney's seventh theme park destination worldwide, joining its parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak expressed that Abu Dhabi represents a unique model where authentic heritage meets a forward-looking vision. The collaboration with Disney highlights the results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. The partnership is set to create a new world of imagination, offering inspiring experiences that will resonate across the region and the world, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global destination for cultural and family tourism.
The resort will be fully developed and built by Miral, with Disney leading creative design, attraction development, and operational oversight to ensure a world-class guest experience. Upon completion, Miral will operate the recreational destination, leveraging its extensive experience in developing and managing leading family entertainment destinations on Yas Island and in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with prominent American and European brands.
Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, stated that the opportunity allows Disney to bring its renowned storytelling to a new region, with a theme park experience that will be a cultural, entertainment, and technological marvel. Abu Dhabi's international position and ambitious vision make it an ideal location for Disney to reach new audiences and captivate guests for generations.
Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, mentioned that the resort's concept will push theme park design boundaries, showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture, including a modern castle unique to Disney's creations. The project, alongside expansion plans in Florida and California, will create thousands of new jobs in the US as Disney enters a new era of growth.
