When Disney announced its first new theme park in 16 years, to be located in Abu Dhabi, it wasn’t just about bringing back the classic Disney magic. The ambitious project promises to deliver an experience that is “authentically Emirati in style, but fully Disney in experience,” said Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based company partnering with Disney, in a media statement.
An Emirati Disney Destination Like No Other
The upcoming Disney park on Yas Island aims to blend the rich culture of the UAE with Disney’s iconic entertainment. “We want visitors to feel the culture of the UAE while enjoying the magic of Disney,” Dr. Al Zaabi told reporters in an exclusive interview. This destination will offer guests not only magical rides and familiar characters but also a deep sense of the UAE’s spirit and soul.The project, officially signed off in April, is currently in the design phase, with Disney and Miral’s development teams holding regular workshops to shape the park’s features. This will be Disney’s seventh theme park worldwide and the first in over a decade, further establishing Yas Island as a global family entertainment hub.
Unmatched Accessibility and Regional Impact
Strategically positioned between Asia, Europe, and Africa, the new Disney park is set to become the most accessible Disney destination worldwide. Over 500 million tourists live within a four- to five-hour flight radius, making it an ideal location for travelers.The park is less than 30 minutes from Dubai and just minutes from Abu Dhabi’s key airports, making it a prime draw for both residents and international visitors. “This will be a game-changer for regional tourism. We’re filling a massive geographic gap between the Far East and Europe,” said Dr. Al Zaabi.Disney’s partnership with Miral also highlights confidence in the UAE’s infrastructure and expertise. “They were impressed with what we’ve already built Ferrari World, SeaWorld, Warner Bros. World. It showed that we can deliver at global standards,” Al Zaabi explained. “It’s a testament to the quality, safety, and strategic vision of Abu Dhabi.”
Miral’s Vision: Continuous Growth and Fresh Experiences
Miral’s ten-year master plan aims to keep Yas Island dynamic and fresh by adding at least one new experience every year. This includes expanding hotel infrastructure, developing themed zones, and launching new attractions.“We are expanding Warner Bros. World, adding more hotels, and continuing to invest in family zones and indoor offerings,” the CEO said. Regarding land availability, Al Zaabi confirmed that Miral still holds a significant land bank on Yas Island. “We are still designing and developing several attractions. Over the past 15 to 18 years, we have grown organically, adding rides and experiences. We’ll continue with the same effort and mindset.”The company also plans to expand the Warner Bros. World Yas Island hotel, managed by Hilton, with announcements about further expansions coming soon.
Breaking the Summer Tourism Myth
Miral has also challenged the longstanding belief that summer is a slow period for tourism in the region. In fact, over the last three years, Yas Island’s attractions have enjoyed occupancy levels between 90% and 98% during July and August, numbers comparable to traditional peak months like December.“Summer has become just as busy. We’ve cracked that myth,” Dr. Al Zaabi stated, attributing the success to indoor attractions, family-focused campaigns, and growing interest from key markets including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Europe.The recent 13,000-square-metre expansion at Yas Waterworld, featuring more than 20 rides and slides, was deliberately timed to open during summer, marking Miral’s third major attraction launch in peak heat. “Every time you come back to Yas Island, you’ll find something new. That’s our commitment,” the CEO promised.
Tailored Experiences and Cultural Connection
Beyond physical expansions, Miral prioritizes creating customized experiences that reflect visitor preferences. From parent-child slides to ladies-only days, many initiatives stem from direct guest feedback.“It’s not about what we want. It’s about you, our guests and what you want. That’s how we measure success,” Dr. Al Zaabi explained. One of Miral’s most viral marketing campaigns, which achieved 1.4 billion views, originated from a junior intern’s idea brought to life by the team.Miral also selects brand ambassadors carefully to resonate with diverse audiences. Bollywood and Hollywood stars have helped elevate Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World’s profiles in India and beyond, emphasizing Yas Island’s role as a cultural melting pot with global appeal.
Economic Growth and Future Prospects
Tourism is a key pillar in the UAE’s economic future, and Miral sees itself as a major contributor. The sector aims to create 178,000 new jobs and increase its GDP contribution from $62 billion to $90 billion by 2031.“Every new expansion means more jobs, longer visitor stays, and more local spending. That’s the ripple effect we’re focused on,” the CEO said. Currently, Yas Island visitors stay an average of 2.4 nights, with plans to increase this closer to three nights as new attractions open.While the exact opening date for Disney Abu Dhabi remains under wraps, Al Zaabi confirmed that design work is progressing rapidly. The site benefits from strong connectivity, including the future GCC railway, upgraded Abu Dhabi airport, and existing transit links.“This is not just a win for Abu Dhabi. It’s a win for the UAE and for the entire region,” he concluded. “Having Disney next to Warner Bros., SeaWorld, and Ferrari World… that’s something no other destination in the world can offer.”
