Disney is setting its sights on Abu Dhabi, unveiling plans for a major new theme park resort on Yas Island in partnership with local developer Miral.
In a move that will drive significant investment and opportunity in the AV sector, Disney’s seventh global resort will be a waterfront destination promising cutting-edge immersive experiences that blend Disney storytelling with Abu Dhabi’s distinctive culture and architecture.
Disney Imagineers will oversee the creative design and operations, while Miral – the developer behind attractions such as Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – will lead the build and operation.
For AV professionals, the announcement signals a substantial pipeline of upcoming work in themed entertainment technology. As audiences demand more interactive and multisensory experiences, projects like this depend heavily on advanced AV systems, show control, projection, LED, spatial audio, and real-time media.
In an announcement on the Disney website, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said: “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio.
“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.”
The Abu Dhabi project also reflects continued confidence in the attractions space, where the convergence of creative vision and AV technology is redefining the visitor experience. With the UAE positioned within a four-hour flight of a third of the world’s population, the resort is set to attract global audiences and reinforce Yas Island’s status as a global leisure hub.
As the development progresses, integrators and tech suppliers will be on the lookout for large-scale tenders and design challenges, particularly in immersive storytelling, themed environments, and digital interactivity.
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