Disney is Coming to Abu Dhabi – And It’s Going to Be Next-Level Magical
Hold onto your Mickey ears, because The Walt Disney Company just dropped some pixie-dusted news: a brand-new Disney theme park and resort is coming to Abu Dhabi! That’s right – the House of Mouse is setting up shop in the UAE, making this the first Disney resort in the Middle East and the seventh in the world.
And this isn’t just any park. According to Disney CEO Bob Iger, it’s going to be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” In other words: classic Disney magic meets rich Emirati culture — a fusion bound to dazzle.
🎟️ TL;DR:
Disney is opening a brand-new resort and theme park in Abu Dhabi.
It’ll be the first Disney park in the Middle East and the most tech-forward one ever.
Built on Yas Island, in partnership with Miral.
Disney will not own or operate but is leasing the IP
No opening date yet, but it’s part of a massive $60B global expansion.
Expect crystal castles, cutting-edge tech, and next-gen Disney storytelling magic.
The Most Modern, Tech-Forward Disney Park Ever
Get ready for innovation overload. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro promises this park will be the company’s most “modern” and “tech-forward” destination yet. Picture this: a crystal-like castle straight out of a sci-fi fairytale, immersive storytelling experiences powered by cutting-edge tech, and Disney magic like you’ve never seen before.
“We’re building this from the ground up,” says D’Amaro, “and we’re diving headfirst into the latest technology to bring our stories to life in ways Walt Disney only dreamed of back in 1955.”
Whether it’s Mickey, Marvel, or something entirely new — expect next-gen magic and some serious wow-factor.
Welcome to Yas Island: The Future Home of Disney Wonder
So, where exactly is this wonderland being built? Say hello to Yas Island, already home to mega attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Now, it's about to welcome Disney into the mix, nestled right next to the water — with some imaginative surprises involving the shoreline in the works.
But here’s a twist: this park isn’t being built the traditional Disney way. Instead, Miral – the entertainment powerhouse behind many Yas Island destinations – is funding, building, and operating the project. Don’t worry, though – Disney is still in charge of the creative magic. Think of it as a dream team partnership, blending local expertise with legendary storytelling.
Why Abu Dhabi? Why Now?
Turns out, demand for Disney experiences is sky-high — and underserved in this region.
“There’s an insatiable appetite for Disney,” says D’Amaro. “For every one guest who visits a Disney park, there are ten more out there dreaming of it. Abu Dhabi is a cultural and geographic crossroads — a perfect place to bring Disney to new fans in bold, beautiful ways.”
Plus, with a third of the world’s population just a four-hour flight away, the location makes a whole lot of sense.
So... When Can We Go?
No opening date just yet (patience, young padawan), and details on which franchises will be featured are still under wraps. But one thing’s for sure — Disney is going big. This park is part of a whopping $60 billion investment in Disney's theme park expansion over the next decade.
From the Dreamers Themselves:
Bob Iger, Disney CEO:
“This is a thrilling moment… an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology… Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral:
“What we’re creating is a whole new world of imagination — magical moments and lifelong memories that will inspire generations.”
Stay tuned, dreamers — Disney in Abu Dhabi is going to be a whole new world of wonder. 🌍✨