The magic of Disney is officially heading to the Middle East. The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to build a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, marking its seventh global destination and the first in the region.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.
This project is a collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based developer Miral, known for creating immersive destinations on Yas Island.
The announcement has generated significant excitement, highlighting the growing importance of the UAE as a major global tourism hub.
“The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining 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, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever,” sais His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral.
This is yet another move by Abu Dhabi to position itself as a leader in tourism, taking the competition to its neighbouring Emirate, Dubai. It will also be a direct competitor of Global Village, a theme park based in Dubai.
Related: All You Need To Know About Global Village in Dubai, The Best Theme Park
The new resort will blend Disney’s beloved storytelling and characters with the rich cultural heritage and futuristic vision of Abu Dhabi.
Location and Partnership
The Disney theme park will be located on Yas Island, a well-known entertainment and leisure destination in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island is already home to several major attractions, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and is also where the Abu Dhabi F1 race takes place.
As mentioned earlier, the project is a partnership between The Walt Disney Company and Miral. Under this agreement:
- Miral will be responsible for fully developing and building the resort.
- Miral will also operate the theme park upon completion.
- Disney, through its renowned Imagineers, will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight for the park.
This partnership structure is similar to that of Tokyo Disneyland, where a local company owns and operates the park under license from Disney.
Disney will earn royalties and service fees from the Abu Dhabi resort but will not provide the capital for its construction. This underscores the power of having a strong and known brand.
Expected Opening Date
No official opening date has been formally announced, but reports suggest the park could open in the early 2030s. So, still a long way to go.
Estimates indicate a potential timeline of between 2030 and 2033, considering the scale of design and construction required for a project of this magnitude.
Park Features and Design
The theme park is anticipated to be one of Disney’s most technologically advanced and interactive destinations.
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio.
Plans are to create a resort that is “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” incorporating both classic Disney elements and local cultural influences.
The waterfront location on Yas Island is expected to offer unique opportunities for storytelling and park design. While specific attractions have not been revealed, concept art has hinted at a castle design that is a modern take on the region and bears a resemblance to Elsa’s ice castle from Frozen.
The resort is planned to include:
- Themed accommodations
- Unique dining experiences
- Retail outlets
- Signature Disney entertainment
Impact on Tourism
The development of a Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi will boost tourism to the emirate and the wider GCC region.
It will offer a world-class attraction that can be easily accessed by residents and international visitors alike, potentially increasing visitor numbers and contributing to the growth of the hospitality and related sectors.
Abu Dhabi’s investment in building a new airport terminal at the Zayeed International Airport and focusing on its airline is the backbone of such projects. When it is easier to visit a place, such tourism investments become easier to undertake.
The UAE is home to the largest global airline hub in the world, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.
Ticket Price
As the project is in its early stages of development, the ticket price for the Disneyland Abu Dhabi theme park has not yet been announced. Further details regarding pricing and admission will be released closer to the park’s opening date.
