Disney has officially announced plans to build its first-ever theme park in the Middle East—Disneyland Abu Dhabi—on Yas Island. This marks Disney’s seventh global resort and its first major new park since Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016.
“The first middle east DISNEY THEME PARK announcement IN YAS ISLAND abu dhabi”
This park will be located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment hub, home to attractions like Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The project will be fully developed and funded by Miral, the UAE-based company behind many of Yas Island’s major attractions. Disney Imagineering will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight, similar to its partnership model with Tokyo Disneyland.
It described by Disney CEO Bob Iger as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” the park will blend classic Disney storytelling with local cultural and architectural elements. It will feature immersive attractions, themed accommodations, waterfront experiences, and dining and retail offerings that reflect both Disney magic and Abu Dhabi’s modern aesthetic
Disney has announced that the Disneyland Abu Dhabi theme park on Yas Island is now entering the design and development phase, which is expected to take approximately two years. After that, construction is projected to take about five more years.
