News Disney and Miral Announce New Seventh Theme Park Planned for Abu Dhabi

[TrainsOfDisney]

I went to a presentation with Miral parks at IAAPA - I’ve even got the fancy gift bag to prove it!

It seems like they know what they are doing when it comes to building and operating theme parks.

Now that doesn’t mean Disney should have made this deal… who knows at this point.

 

[Lilofan]

Most of the attractions in the Abu Dhabi theme parks are pretty lackluster, I hope Disney doesn’t stoop to this level

That new theme park will surely hear the roar of the engines when the annual Formula 1 Abu Dhabi race comes to town.

 

[Lilofan]

That’s the announced plan. Miral will finance, build and operate the park.

The portfolio of Miral company formed in 2011 is simply amazing. They will transform Abu Dhabi into a must visit destination. Since it’s a private company and not public there is not much of at all to find any issues .

 

[LittleBuford]

Abu Dhabi is the largest and capital emirate, while Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation in 1972 after the initial six formed it in 1971

This proves my theory regarding @marni1971!!

- H.E. Penguin

You’re only an Excellency? I expected a Highness at the very least.

 

[MisterPenguin]

A magicians greatest skill is the art of distraction. Iger is a great magician.

View attachment 857523

Distraction from what? Today's quarterly report was great and stocks rebounded.

 

[BrianLo]

The UAE is practically a perfect location geographically. Dubai is one of the busiest airports in the world, and India is only like a 4 hour flight (a place to houses 1/3rd of the world's population. Not to mention it services Europe as well. I just wonder if they will create an indoor park or not, it will be very fascinating to see how they go about it.

I don’t think we should draw imminent conclusions from the concept art, but it strikes me philosophically as a Disneyland meets Epcot… not in terms of layout… but I can convince myself there are a whole lot of pavilion looking structures.

Pavilions would structurally vibe with broader AD. That’s really what the new Saadiyat cultural district reminds me of, Future World and Epcot.

I also agree, this makes a lot more sense than India right now. Or… really anywhere. Only South Korea as I’ve mentioned would hold the local populace to support a Disney resort otherwise. I really don’t think Brazil is there yet.

 

[Ghost93]

Just want to push back a tiny bit on this.

Money is typically priority one and no one should have any delusions about that. However, some companies do care. It is entirely possible to care about and push for different things in different parts of the world as you are dealing with different cultures, rules and regulations. It is also entirely possible to operate in an area you don't agree with while not forwarding the views you have issues with.

In reality, no company can be an absolute purist on their beliefs, or they would have difficultly operating in different states, let alone countries.

Another thing is that companies are comprised of dozens, to hundreds of people who all have very different agendas.

I'm sure there are a lot of creatives at Disney who care a lot about social justice, but they often have to act accordingly to the whims of the executives.

Bob Iger strikes me as someone who likes to view himself as someone who values inclusion, but who will ultimately shrink back from taking a stand if it means sacrificing the company's bottom line. He's not at all unique in this, as most people don't become top executives without making some cold, calculating moves meant to drive profit.

 

[MisterPenguin]

So from now on, is Disney a franchise? Can anyone with enough money buy a Disney resort, regardless of where it’s located? The Japan model, but updated and taken to the extreme.


On the other hand, I wonder if Miral will dictate to Disney which IPs they want for their resort, and Disney will work based on Miral’s requests. I can already see that Disney has no scruples and wouldn’t hesitate to use an IP they consider problematic in the West if the Arab client asks for it.

Disney technically is indeed a franchise, but, Disney decides if you can open a local branch.


Nobody asks Disney if they can build their own Disneyland unless they really really like Disney IP -- and really really want that IP in their park.

And so, Miral will be looking at everything Disney makes and all their IPs and ordering off the menu. Just like OLC wanted a park full of Disney IP.

Again, no one asks for a Disney park and then says, "but leave out the mouse and princesses and your so many movie characters!!"

Disney will be happy to collect the royalties for the IP usage. And collect a fee on top of that for showing up with a whole bunch of their own WDI folk to build want Miral wants.

Of course Disney can decide certain IPs aren't on the menu (looking at you, SotS).

 

[DCBaker]

Disney has shared additional photos from the celebration event of the announcement today:

 

[Charlie The Chatbox Ghost]

On a more fun side- what do we think Disney will put in this park? Will it be IP lands like Epic Universe or traditional genre/theme lands like castle parks typically have? Will there be cloned attractions or only new attractions? What IP could we see there that we wouldn’t elsewhere? Could we see some park originals like Pirates or Mansion or even something entirely new?

I am leaning towards the “genre/theme lands” myself as that allows Disney to pull out of the deal if they need to, leaving Miral with something they can quickly rebrand. But they also seem confident with this deal so maybe it’ll be very very heavy on the “distinctly Disney”? Probably Frozen/Lion King/Zootopia/Star Wars/Avengers if I were to guess.

 

[MisterPenguin]

That new theme park will surely hear the roar of the engines when the annual Formula 1 Abu Dhabi race comes to town.

Just like Space 220 guests would be bothered by the Test Track door next door?

 

[Disstevefan1]

Distraction from what?

Snow White and EPIC to name a couple <------- winky warning

 

[Lilofan]

Just like Space 220 guests would be bothered by the Test Track door next door?

Those races ie ( NASCAR , F1 ( you can hear the engines a few miles away ).

 

[MisterPenguin]

Miral Group is an Abu Dhabi-based company specializing in the creation of leisure and entertainment destinations. These projects aim to enhance the region's leisure industry and support economic diversification. The company's operations include the design, development, management, and operation of various attractions on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island as below:

Major Attractions​

• Disneyland Abu Dhabi: On May 7th, 2025, Miral and The Walt Disney Company announced a partnership to build Disney's seventh resort in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. An opening date is yet to be announced.
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Known as the world's leading Ferrari-themed park, it offers over 40 rides and attractions inspired by Ferrari, including several record-breaking roller coasters.
• Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi: An Emirati-themed waterpark featuring a wide variety of rides, slides, shows, and attractions, catering to different levels of thrill seekers.
• Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi: This indoor theme park is the largest, showcasing iconic Warner Bros. characters and stories.
• CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi: A sports attraction renowned for its unique challenges, including the world's tallest indoor climbing wall and the widest skydiving chamber.
• Yas Marina: A fully serviced superyacht marina offering dining and entertainment options.
• Yas Bay: A waterfront destination that attracts residents and professionals, featuring various amenities and recreational facilities.
• Etihad Arena: The largest indoor entertainment arena in the UAE, with a customizable stage and seating for up to 18,000 spectators.
• The WB™ Abu Dhabi: The world's first Warner Bros. branded hotel, offering an immersive hospitality experience.
• Doubletree by Hilton – Yas Island Residences: Providing serviced accommodations in partnership with Hilton Worldwide.
• Yas Village: A modern, affordable accommodation development on Yas Island.
• Qasr Al Watan Experience: Located within the Presidential Palace compound, this cultural landmark offers insights into the UAE's heritage and features a visitor experience and light show.
• SeaWorld® Abu Dhabi: This marine life park includes a research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return center and is the first SeaWorld park outside North America.

Miral Group (company) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Disstevefan1]

Just like Space 220 guests would be bothered by the Test Track door next door?

Test Track vehicles barely make a noise.

 

[larryz]

I’d rather not. But hey…I hear it’s the “gulf of Arabia” now by decree…so things are looking up

To Arabs, it has always been the Gulf of Arabia.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

I don't know that Disney really cares if it's the lowest attended in the world since they're not financially responsible for it

I think they’ll still care, it may not be their money at risk but it will still be their reputation at risk.

I hope this is the name, drop land and world and just a simple Disney Abu Dhabi.

 

[MisterPenguin]

From videos I’ve come to associate the UAE parks with the most underwhelming dark rides ever built.

His Excellency: The dark rides in our parks are such a disappointment.

His Other Excellency: I know. I wish they could be like Disney dark rides.

...

<suddenly looking at each other excitedly> Both Excellencies at the same time: I know! Let's build a Disney park!!!

 

[VickyLevi123]

I see mountains, I see coasters, I see domed attractions, I see a "tree of life"...

And if you think Florida is hot, you ain't seen nuthin' yet!!!

Well, at least you can buy a gold bar out of a vending machine instead of a pressed penny

 

[MisterPenguin]

Test Track vehicles barely make a noise.

You missed Space Trackgate.

In which many of our esteemed armchair imagineers very emphatically stated that the new Space 220 restaurant would be noise polluted by the TT cars whizzing by.