Disneyland Abu Dhabi? Not Exactly: Here’s Who’s Actually in Charge

In a landmark move that’s redefining how Disney expands internationally, the company has announced a brand-new Disney-branded destination in Abu Dhabi—but this isn’t your typical Disney theme park rollout. Unlike traditional Disney resorts in Florida, Paris, or Shanghai, this project won’t be funded, constructed, or operated by Disney itself.

Instead, the entire development will be owned and operated by Miral, the UAE-based company behind several major Yas Island attractions, including Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Disney will act as a creative and licensing partner only, guiding the design and story while Miral handles the ground-level execution.

Related: Disney Announces New World for 2025: World of Imagination Coming Soon

A Licensing-First Model That Changes the Rules

The upcoming resort will join the global family of Disney destinations as the seventh major property to carry the brand. But this is the second time Disney has opted for a licensing-only approach, following the hugely successful Tokyo Disney Resort, which is operated by the Oriental Land Company.

This model marks a growing shift in how Disney is scaling its brand across the globe. Rather than investing billions into building and managing international resorts themselves, Disney is increasingly leveraging its intellectual property as its most valuable export, allowing regional partners to take the financial and operational lead.

During Disney’s latest quarterly earnings call, CEO Bob Iger clarified that Miral initiated the project, approaching Disney with the idea of a new theme park-style resort that would bring Disney storytelling to the UAE in a uniquely local way.

Disney + Yas Island: A Strategic Cultural Fusion

Yas Island, already a premier tourism and entertainment hub in the Middle East, is the future home of the resort. The destination is positioned within a four-hour flight radius of over 3 billion people, making it an ideal location for a family-focused destination with global appeal.

Miral’s Chairman, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, described the new venture as a landmark partnership—fusing Emirati innovation and hospitality with Disney’s globally recognized creative legacy. This isn’t about cloning Disneyland California or Magic Kingdom Florida. Instead, it’s about designing an experience that feels true to its setting, while still delivering that unmistakable Disney magic.

“The Most Technologically Advanced Disney Park Yet”

According to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, this new project is being designed as the most advanced and interactive Disney park to date. It will feature original immersive storytelling, next-gen technologies, and fresh takes on traditional theme park formats.

One of the most talked-about reveals so far? The park will feature Disney’s first “modern-day castle”, a signature structure reimagined for the future of global destinations. Expect a design that both honors tradition and leans into a new visual language—perhaps more architectural statement than fairy tale fortress.

Related: Disney Faces New Competition: Universal’s 7th Theme Park Plans Revealed for Europe

Other features expected at the resort include:

• Themed lands and cutting-edge attractions

• Luxury accommodations and dining

• Interactive technologies and digital integration

• Water views and cultural touchpoints designed for the region

• Retail, entertainment, and family experiences informed by Disney IP

Placeholder Name, Unknown Opening Date

At this early stage, the project is being referred to in public communications as “Disneyland Abu Dhabi”—but Disney has made it clear that this is not a final name. Like many early-phase developments, the working title could shift dramatically as creative teams shape the identity of the space.

Similarly, no opening date has been announced, though the agreement and concept development are officially underway. Based on typical timelines for similar parks, construction could take anywhere from five to seven years.

A Smart Move in a Cautious Era

This licensing-forward deal allows Disney to expand into high-growth global markets without overextending capital—a strategic move, especially as the company continues to optimize post-pandemic operations and shift resources across streaming, theatrical releases, and park infrastructure.

Miral, meanwhile, gains a new flagship anchor attraction—one that could elevate Yas Island to the next level as a global family tourism destination. With existing success in hosting global brands like Ferrari, Warner Bros., and SeaWorld, Miral has the operational pedigree to execute at scale.

If Tokyo Disney Resort is the gold standard for what a Disney licensing deal can become, all eyes will now turn to Abu Dhabi to see if this bold collaboration can capture that same magic—and perhaps chart a new course for Disney’s future growth worldwide.