Disney announces Abu Dhabi theme park plans
Disney has officially announced plans to bring its magical world to the Middle East with the construction of a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi. This exciting venture marks Disney’s seventh park worldwide and its first in the Middle East region. The Walt Disney Company has partnered with Abu Dhabi-based company Miral to bring this project to life in the United Arab Emirates capital.
The new Disney park will be located on Yas Island, a popular destination developed by Miral that already features a variety of theme parks such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld. The upcoming attraction promises to offer the signature Disney experience with themed accommodations, unique dining options, retail experiences, and storytelling that will blend Disney’s heritage with the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
Disney aims to attract visitors from the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia that may not have easy access to its other parks in locations like Florida, California, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. This expansion into Abu Dhabi opens up a new market for Disney to explore and engage with fans from diverse backgrounds.
While the timeline for completion and the estimated cost of building the Abu Dhabi park have not been disclosed, this project comes at a time when concerns about labor practices in the United Arab Emirates have been raised. Reports of alleged labor abuses, especially among the migrant workforce, have drawn attention to the need for improved working conditions and human rights protections in the region.
According to the Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025, migrant workers in the UAE continue to face challenges such as wage theft, illegal recruitment fees, and passport confiscation, which can lead to situations that may amount to forced labor. Additionally, outdoor migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and inadequate heat protections, as highlighted by organizations advocating for better working conditions.
