Disneyland Abu Dhabi: Everything We Know So Far About Disney’s First Theme Park in the Middle East
- Angelica Lynn
- May 7
- 3 min read
Disney shocked the world on Wednesday with details of a new Disneyland park in Abu Dhabi! The new theme park—Disneyland Abu Dhabi— is set to open on Yas Island, making it the first Disney park in the Middle East. While there’s no confirmed opening date yet, here’s everything we know so far about what’s expected to be one of the most innovative Disney parks ever built.
📌 Quick Facts
📍 Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
🚧 Developer: Miral
🎨 Designer: Walt Disney Imagineering
🌐 First Disney park in the Middle East
🏗️ Construction timeline: TBA
🌊 Water to play a huge role in park design
🌍 What Is Disneyland Abu Dhabi?
Disneyland Abu Dhabi is a brand-new Disney resort and theme park currently in development. It will be designed by Disney’s renowned Imagineering team, but funded and operated by Miral, the same group behind other theme parks on Yas Island.
This new destination will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” according to Disney CEO Bob Iger, blending traditional Emirati culture with modern Disney storytelling and entertainment.
📍 Where Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Be Located?
The new Disneyland park will be located on Yas Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment destinations. Yas Island is already home to several major theme parks and attractions including:
Ferrari World
Yas Waterworld
Seaworld Yas Island
Warner Bros. World
🏗️ Who’s Building It?
Disney is in charge of creative design and storytelling, bringing the magic we know and love.
Miral is overseeing funding, construction, and eventual operation of the park.
This partnership is similar to Disney’s model in other international destinations like Shanghai.
🌟 What Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Be Like?
While full details haven’t been released yet, here’s what we do know:
The park will feature cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling experiences.
It will combine contemporary architecture with Emirati design influences, creating a unique visual identity.
Expect to see water elements integrated throughout the park—a nod to both Disney storytelling and the coastal culture of the UAE.
This will be Disney’s first new theme park since 2016 and is expected to be one of the most advanced parks ever created.
“This is going to be one of the most advanced theme parks that we've ever built,” said Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro in an interview with USA TODAY.
🌐 A Global Expansion: Disney’s First Park in the Middle East
Disneyland Abu Dhabi marks the company’s first foray into the Middle East, expanding its theme park portfolio to seven locations worldwide:
Disneyland Resort (California, USA)
Walt Disney World Resort (Florida, USA)
Disneyland Paris (France)
Tokyo Disney Resort (Japan)
Hong Kong Disneyland (China)
Shanghai Disney Resort (China)
Disneyland Abu Dhabi (UAE – coming soon)
🗓️ When Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Open?
As of now, no official opening date has been announced. However, given the scope and innovation promised for this park, construction and development will likely take several years. Stay tuned for updates as timelines become clearer.
✨ Final Thoughts: Why Disneyland Abu Dhabi Is a Big Deal
Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn’t just another theme park—it’s a major leap forward for Disney's global expansion, technological innovation, and cultural storytelling. The collaboration with Miral ensures a resort experience that feels both magical and locally rooted.
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