It’s been almost a decade since Disneyland Shanghai opened its doors. Now, The Walt Disney Company has officially announced its next theme park destination, which will be in Abu Dhabi. The entertainment company’s seventh global theme park destination – and its first in the Middle East – is part of a strategic partnership with Miral, a leading leisure and entertainment company in Abu Dhabi.,
Disney Abu Dhabi once more signals a major step in the UAE’s ambitions to cement its position as a world-class hub for tourism and entertainment. The new Disney resort will be located on Yas Island, a waterfront destination already home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Tourism Ambitions
The park will blend Disney’s beloved stories and characters with the cultural richness, architecture and innovation of the Emirati capital. The resort will be developed and built entirely by Miral, while Disney’s renowned Imagineering team will lead creative design and provide operational oversight to ensure a world-class experience.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary entertainment at the crossroads of the world.”
Yas Island’s waterfront setting will offer a unique canvas for storytelling, promising cutting-edge attractions, themed accommodations, and distinctive dining and retail experiences. The project is being described as Disney’s most advanced and interactive destination to date.
The UAE’s strategic location — within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population — and its status as a global aviation hub with over 120 million passengers annually make it an ideal site for international tourism.
Further details about the resort, including its name, opening timeline, and featured attractions, will be revealed as development progresses.
(Images: The Walt Disney Company)
