In a groundbreaking development for the region’s tourism and entertainment sector, Disney has officially announced the launch of its first theme park in the Middle East. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be located on Yas Island, the UAE’s premier entertainment and leisure destination, and is set to become the most advanced and interactive park in the Disney portfolio.
The announcement was made by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and Disney CEO Bob Iger during an event held at W Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Speaking through a recorded message, Iger described the project as a defining moment in the company’s 102-year history. He emphasized that the resort would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” reflecting both the brand’s legacy and the cultural richness of the UAE.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, underscored the scale and innovation of the project, calling it the “most advanced and interactive destination” Disney has ever created. He described the location as “anchored by a beautiful waterfront,” offering an opportunity to present stories in entirely new ways. While an official opening date has not been confirmed, D’Amaro indicated that a development of this magnitude could require one to two years of design and an additional four to six years for construction.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi will join a growing portfolio of world-class attractions on Yas Island, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld. The announcement also follows the recent opening of Disney’s first standalone retail outlets in the UAE, with stores launched in both Yas Mall and Dubai Mall earlier this year.
The theme park is expected to feature immersive lands inspired by globally popular franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, and Toy Story, although specific details about the attractions have yet to be revealed. Its addition is set to further strengthen Yas Island’s position as a global hub for family entertainment.
Yas Island continues to see significant growth, welcoming over 38 million visitors in the past year—an increase of 10% compared to the previous year. Theme park visitation alone saw a 20% rise, highlighting the region’s strong demand for entertainment offerings. In addition to the Disney park, plans are underway to expand Yas Waterworld and introduce new attractions at both Ferrari World and Warner Bros World.
Globally, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will become the seventh Disney resort destination, joining existing parks in California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Each location represents a strategic and cultural extension of the brand, with the Abu Dhabi park marking Disney’s formal entry into the Middle East.
The Road Ahead
This announcement represents a significant moment not only for Disney, but for the UAE as a whole. It positions the country as a leader in global tourism and entertainment, offering visitors from across the world access to an iconic experience that seamlessly blends the enchantment of Disney with the spirit of the Emirates.
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