The UAE will soon welcome a new theme park — and it’s none other than Disneyland. Set to open in Abu Dhabi, this will be the region’s first-ever Disney theme park and the seventh Disney resort worldwide. The “magical” destination was unveiled during a special event on Yas Island, promising to bring the enchanting world of Disney to the heart of the Middle East.
“In the 102-year history of the Walt Disney Company, there have been many defining moments and countless achievements,” said Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger.
“One such moment was the opening of Disneyland in 1955. Now, 70 years later, having entertained four billion people across six Disney theme parks around the world, we are here today in this wonderful place to announce and celebrate another great moment: an agreement to bring a Disney theme park to Abu Dhabi.
“I can tell everybody is very excited, and so am I,” he added. “It will blend the beloved Disney stories and characters with the cultures and tastes of this country and region. It will serve as an oasis of extraordinary entertainment and experiences for millions of people in this crossroads of the world.”
The announcement coincided with Yas Island’s 15th anniversary. “Today is a truly momentous occasion. We’ve all gathered here to celebrate 15 years of innovation, creativity, and success… but also something very special; something magical,” said Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Miral.
The project, branded as ‘Disneyland Abu Dhabi,’ marks the first Disney theme park in the Middle East and Disney’s seventh globally, following its parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The park will be located on Yas Island Waterfront, strategically positioned to serve as a gateway connecting major tourism markets across the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe. It will join Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, further solidifying Yas Island’s status as a global entertainment hub.
Miral will oversee development and operations, while Disney will lead creative design and attraction development, ensuring a world-class guest experience. Bob Iger described the project as “a cultural, entertainment and technological marvel,” highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role as an “international crossroads” and the ideal location for Disney’s newest venture.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said the resort would “push the boundaries of theme park design,” showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture, including a modern castle “unlike anything we’ve ever created.”
The resort is expected to attract visitors from around the world, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier cultural and family tourism destination. According to a report by Business Insider, the new park is part of Disney’s ambitious $60 billion investment in its Parks and Experiences division over the next decade, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its global footprint in key strategic markets.
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