Mickey Mouse is officially making his way to the Middle East.

Disney is bringing its world-famous magic to the Middle East with the announcement of a stunning new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi. Revealed this week, the project will be Disney’s seventh global theme park destination and its first in the region, developed in partnership with Miral, the company behind Yas Island’s entertainment attractions.

Set on vibrant Yas Island-already home to Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi-the new Disney park promises to be “one of the most sophisticated theme parks we have ever constructed,” according to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. Disney’s team of legendary Imagineers will oversee the creative vision, ensuring the park blends beloved Disney stories and characters with the rich culture and stunning coastlines of Abu Dhabi.

Uniquely, Disney won’t be funding the construction; Miral will handle all development and operational costs, with Disney guiding the creative direction and earning royalties from the park’s success. CEO Bob Iger called the project “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” promising immersive entertainment that merges modern architecture, water features, and local traditions.

While no opening date is set, the park is expected to take several years to design and build. When completed, it will offer themed accommodations, dining, and shopping, setting a new standard for Disney’s global destinations.

As Iger put it, “This is an exhilarating moment for our company as we unveil plans for a dynamic Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, a place renowned for its rich cultural appreciation of the arts and creativity”. With this bold move, Disney is poised to enchant a whole new generation of fans at the crossroads of the world.