Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing destinations for tourism, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Behind many of the emirate’s most ambitious projects is Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the leader driving the transformation of iconic destinations that continue to elevate Abu Dhabi’s global profile.
Since joining Miral as Group Chief Executive Officer in 2015, Al Zaabi has played a pivotal role in developing world-class attractions, creating immersive experiences, and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for visitors from around the globe.
With a career that includes senior leadership roles at Aldar, Al Zaabi has combined strategic vision with large-scale execution, helping turn ambitious concepts into internationally recognized destinations.
Leading the Growth of Miral’s Destination Ecosystem
Under Al Zaabi’s leadership, Miral has evolved into one of the region’s most influential destination creators. The company operates through three key subsidiaries: Miral Destinations, Miral Experiences, and Yas Asset Management.
Together, these entities oversee a diverse portfolio of attractions, experiences, and hospitality assets that attract millions of visitors annually while contributing significantly to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy.
Miral’s developments have become central to Abu Dhabi’s tourism ecosystem, helping position the emirate as a destination that blends entertainment, culture, innovation, and family experiences.
Bringing Art, Technology, and Culture Together
A major milestone in 2025 came with the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.
Developed through a collaboration between Miral and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, the attraction represents a new era of immersive cultural experiences.
The venue combines art, science, and technology to create interactive environments that respond to visitors in real time, offering a unique experience that blurs the boundaries between physical and digital worlds.
The project further strengthens Saadiyat Island’s reputation as a global cultural destination and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation in arts and culture.
A Historic Disney Announcement for Abu Dhabi
One of the most significant developments in Miral’s history was announced in May 2025 when the company revealed plans, in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, to develop a Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island.
The project will become the seventh Disney resort destination worldwide, marking a landmark moment for both Abu Dhabi and the broader Middle East.
The announcement generated international attention and highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a premier destination for family entertainment and tourism.
The future resort is expected to combine Disney’s globally recognized storytelling and attractions with the unique cultural identity and hospitality standards of Abu Dhabi, creating a destination that will attract visitors from across the region and beyond.
Expanding Yas Island’s Entertainment Portfolio
Miral’s commitment to continuous innovation was further demonstrated in July 2025 with the public opening of the expanded Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.
The expansion introduced new attractions and experiences designed to enhance visitor engagement while reinforcing Yas Island’s reputation as one of the world’s leading entertainment destinations.
Over the years, Yas Island has evolved into a globally recognized leisure hub featuring theme parks, entertainment venues, hospitality offerings, and sporting events. The continued expansion of its attractions reflects Miral’s strategy of maintaining world-class experiences while responding to growing visitor demand.
A Vision for Global Destination Leadership
Throughout his tenure, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi has focused on creating destinations that generate long-term economic value while delivering memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
His leadership reflects a deep understanding of how tourism, culture, entertainment, and urban development can work together to create sustainable growth and international appeal.
By combining strategic partnerships, innovative attractions, and large-scale destination development, he has helped establish Miral as a driving force behind Abu Dhabi’s tourism transformation.
Shaping the Future of Abu Dhabi Tourism
As Abu Dhabi continues to invest in culture, entertainment, and hospitality, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi remains at the forefront of projects that are redefining the visitor experience.
From the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi to the historic Disney resort announcement and the continued evolution of Yas Island, his work reflects a commitment to creating destinations that inspire, entertain, and connect people from around the world.
Under his leadership, Miral is not simply developing attractions—it is helping shape Abu Dhabi’s future as one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative tourism destinations, where culture, creativity, and entertainment come together on a global stage.
