Disney Unveils Plans for New Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

Disney has revealed its ambitious plan to establish a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, marking the company’s first venture into the Middle East. This new attraction will join Disney’s global family of parks, as the seventh addition. The Walt Disney Company finalized an agreement with Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based firm, to construct this theme park in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the announcement highlighted.

The site chosen for this exciting development is Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, a destination already renowned for hosting major attractions such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld, all of which were developed by Miral.

Disney promises that the park will feature its hallmark entertainment offerings, themed lodgings, distinctive dining and shopping experiences, all while weaving stories that honor Disney’s rich heritage and reflect the innovative and cultural spirit of Abu Dhabi.

By establishing this new park, Disney aims to draw visitors from across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, particularly those regions not conveniently served by its other locations in Florida, California, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

However, the company has not yet disclosed specific details regarding the completion date or the estimated cost of constructing the Abu Dhabi park.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has faced criticism over its handling of labor conditions, with widespread reports of worker abuse, particularly among its predominantly migrant workforce.

Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025 notes that migrant workers frequently endure severe exploitation, such as wage theft, unlawful recruitment fees, and the confiscation of passports, often resulting in scenarios that resemble forced labor.

Moreover, outdoor laborers, considered “vulnerable to heat-stroke and other heat-related conditions,” face “insufficient heat protection measures,” the report added.