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Wafric News – May 7, 2025

In a landmark move for the global entertainment giant, The Walt Disney Company has unveiled plans to open its first-ever theme park in the Middle East — right in the heart of the United Arab Emirates.

The ambitious new resort will be built on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, a rapidly growing entertainment and tourism hub. This marks a strategic partnership between Disney and UAE-based leisure powerhouse Miral, known for developing major attractions like SeaWorld and Warner Bros World.

This venture places Disney’s magical footprint in a new region, adding to its six existing theme parks across North America, Europe, and Asia — the latest of which opened in Shanghai in 2016.

In a joint announcement, Disney and Miral emphasized the region’s potential as a tourism gateway. With nearly one-third of the world’s population within a four-hour flight radius and over 120 million passengers moving through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year, the UAE offers a compelling case for global expansion.

Disney CEO Bob Iger described the project as a "thrilling moment" for the company, noting that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will blend the iconic Disney experience with authentic Emirati culture. “It will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” he stated.

Yas Island, just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s city center and under an hour from Dubai, spans 25 square kilometers and continues to evolve as a major international destination.

Miral’s CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, said the collaboration is a major milestone for the region. “This development reinforces Yas Island’s status as a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, while also contributing to long-term economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

Disney Rides a Wave of Positive Momentum

The announcement comes amid strong financial performance from Disney. The company posted better-than-expected results for Q1 2025, with revenues rising 7% to $23.6 billion. Its Disney+ streaming service added 1.4 million new subscribers, defying earlier expectations of a dip due to price increases.

Domestically, Disney theme parks saw a rise in attendance and guest spending, while cruise bookings surged following the launch of its latest vessel, the Disney Treasure.

Despite global economic uncertainties, CEO Iger expressed confidence in the company's direction. “I’m encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business,” he said.

Financial analyst Dannie Hewson of AJ Bell added, “While many U.S. businesses are bracing for the impact of tariffs and consumer belt-tightening, Disney is bucking the trend — and doing so boldly.”


By WafricNews Desk.

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