Pack your mouse ears and your passport because Disney is heading to the Middle East!
In a surprise announcement that’s already shaking up the theme park world, The Walt Disney Company revealed on Wednesday that it’s teaming up with Miral, the UAE-based immersive destination company, to bring a brand-new Disney theme park resort to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
"This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement according to CNBC.
He continued, “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.”
Translation? Expect something beyond anything we’ve seen at the other Disney resorts. Think the innovation of Shanghai Disneyland meets the luxe vibes of Abu Dhabi.
But there’s a twist! Disney isn’t investing its own money to build this resort. Instead, Miral will handle the full development and construction costs, while Disney’s legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operations oversight. In exchange, Disney will collect royalties from the park, essentially earning profits without putting up the cash.
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio."
D'Amaro added, "The location of our park is incredibly unique, anchored by a beautiful waterfront, which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before.”
The new resort marks Disney’s seventh global theme park destination, joining the elite lineup of Disney Parks in California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. And while the location might come as a surprise to fans, Yas Island has already made a name for itself with world-class attractions like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.
Are you excited for this new park?