Disney announces plans for new theme park in Abu Dhabi

Finally, Walt Disney announced on Wednesday that it plans to open its first theme park resort in the Middle East, selecting the United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi, as the location.

Disney's seventh global resort and first new theme park in over a decade will be on Yas Island, a popular destination with many other family-friendly attractions.

The project is a collaboration with Miral, a regional developer known for creating immersive destinations.

The new resort aims to blend Disney's iconic storytelling with Abu Dhabi's rich culture and modern architecture.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said the project will be "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati."