Disney to Open Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

Yas Island. Picture Credit: Shutterstock
Big news for Disney fans and family travellers: The Walt Disney Company has officially announced plans to open a brand new Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi.

The waterfront resort will be built on Yas Island, already home to several world-class attractions, and will become Disney’s seventh theme park resort worldwide. The project will be fully developed and operated by Miral, the island’s entertainment and leisure group.
 

A New Era of Disney Magic

The collaboration between Disney and Abu Dhabi has been described as groundbreaking. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said the partnership showcases the powerful results of “visionary leadership and creative excellence.”

"What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world," he said. “Through unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”
 

What Can Visitors Expect?

Though full details are still under wraps, Disney has promised that the Abu Dhabi resort will feature signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, immersive dining and retail experiences, and storytelling that celebrates both Disney’s heritage and Abu Dhabi’s cultural and futuristic essence.

Disney CEO Robert A. Iger said: “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.”

He added that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati”, bringing beloved characters and stories to life in fresh, innovative ways.
 

A Global Game-Changer

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Group, called the project a “historic milestone” for Yas Island and a major step in establishing Abu Dhabi as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure.

The announcement has already created a buzz in the travel industry. Gaurav Lamba, Director of Marketing at The Luxury Travel Club, said: “Wow, wow, wow, this is fantastic news. The arrival of Disney in Abu Dhabi marks a thrilling new era for family travel because it’s such a short flight from the UK.”

Ellie Morera De La Cruz, Marketing Campaigns Manager at Attractiontickets.com, added: “This is a really exciting opportunity. We know there’s a huge demand for Disney parks, so having the magic closer to home is going to be a great opportunity.”
 

Why Abu Dhabi?

With its vibrant arts scene, ultra-modern architecture, and cultural heritage, Abu Dhabi is a natural fit for Disney’s newest venture. The location offers easy access for European, Middle Eastern, and Asian travellers — and with Yas Island already home to attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World, the addition of a Disney resort will further elevate its international appeal.
As Simon Parry, Senior Director of Product for Miral Destinations, put it: “This is a game-changer for Abu Dhabi and the Middle East region as a whole.”
 

When Will It Open?

An official opening date has not yet been announced, but the project is expected to attract millions of visitors once completed. With Disney’s reputation for innovation and quality, expectations are already sky-high.

For Disney lovers, this new resort promises a magical new destination — and for Abu Dhabi, it signals yet another bold step in its evolution as a world-class tourism hotspot.

Stay tuned for more updates — we’ll be watching closely as Disney’s magic makes its way to Yas Island!

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