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Disneyland Abu Dhabi (Arabic: ديزني لاند أبو ظبي) is an upcoming theme park and resort planned for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Announced on May 7, 2025, by The Walt Disney Company in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based developer Miral, it will be Disney's first theme park resort in the Middle East and its seventh resort globally.[1]
This is Disney’s largest entertainment project in the Middle East, following its first major entertainment presence in the region with the Disney: The Castle festival, which had its global premiere in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2023.
History[]
During the development of Epcot in the 1970s, a pavilion dedicated to the United Arab Emirates was planned, but scrapped due to budget cuts.[2][3] Disney previously ruled out developing a theme park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in May 2009.[4] The company was previously rumored by Shamrock Holdings, a Disney-affiliated investment firm. A spokesperson for Walt Disney Park and Resorts clarified to Fast Company that Disney did not have any plans to be involved in creating a theme park in Haifa.
Development of Disneyland Abu Dhabi was announced on May 7, 2025.[5]
Overview[]
The resort will be situated on Yas Island, a prominent entertainment destination already home to attractions such as Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Ferrari World. The new Disney park aims to blend Disney's iconic stories and characters with Abu Dhabi's vibrant culture, architecture, and waterfront setting. Disney CEO Bob Iger described the project as "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," emphasizing its unique integration of local influences with Disney's storytelling.[6][7] Although the official name of the resort has not yet been announced, Iger has referred to the project as "Disneyland Abu Dhabi", a working title that has been adopted in public references until a formal name is confirmed.
The park will be operated and funded by Miral Group, while Walt Disney Imagineering will oversee its design. An official opening date has not been announced, as the project remains in the early staged of development.
Upon completion, the resort will feature Disney-themed attractions, on-site hotels, regionally inspired dining and retail venues, and immersive experiences that integrate Disney storytelling with elements of Emirati culture and design.
The Abu Dhabi announcement marks Disney's first new theme park announcement since the unveiling of Shanghai Disneyland in 2010.
References[]
- ↑ Frank (2025-05-07). "Disney Announces Plans for New Theme Park and Resort with Miral in Abu Dhabi" (en-US). The Walt Disney Company.
- ↑ "The Neverland Files: Epcot".
- ↑ "Jim Hill: Unrealized Epcot".
- ↑ Bharadwaj, Vinita (3 May 2009). "Disney animated about Dubai's tourism boom". Gulf News.
- ↑ "Disneyland Abu Dhabi: Yas Island Real Estate Boom | NOVVI Properties" (en). www.novviproperties.com.
- ↑ Durkee, Alison. "Disneyland Abu Dhabi: Here’s What We Know About Disney’s New Theme Park" (in en).
- ↑ Chen, Natasha (2025-05-07). "Disney announces a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, its first new resort in a generation" (in en).