The countdown to Disneyland Abu Dhabi just got a little more exciting. While we’ll have to wait a few more years before walking through its gates, Disney is giving fans an early sneak peek with a brand-new documentary coming to Disney+ later this month.
Premiering on August 20, Disney Worldbuilders promises to take viewers behind the scenes of how Disney’s iconic parks come to life, and for audiences in the UAE, that includes a first look at the highly anticipated Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Directed by Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, the granddaughter of Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, who co-created Mickey Mouse alongside Walt Disney, the documentary explores the creative minds responsible for building Disney’s immersive worlds.
One of the biggest highlights? A behind-the-scenes look at Disneyland Abu Dhabi, which is currently under development on Yas Island and will become Disney’s seventh theme park resort and its first in the Middle East.
The trailer even features former Disney CEO Bob Iger walking the future resort site. Standing on the land that will eventually become Disneyland Abu Dhabi, Iger says:
You have to dream big, you have to have a wild imagination
Bob Iger and Miral Share the Vision
According to Miral Group, the documentary will feature conversations between Bob Iger and Miral Chairman H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, offering viewers an inside look at the vision behind bringing Disney magic to Yas Island.
The pair will discuss how the one-of-a-kind destination is taking shape and what makes the upcoming resort unlike any other Disney park.
Back in January, Iger also shared photos from the construction site, writing:
Walking the site of what will one day be Disneyland Abu Dhabi! Lots of work ahead, but all very exciting!
Meet the Creative Minds Behind Disney’s Magic
Beyond Abu Dhabi, Disney Worldbuilders dives into the creative process behind Disney’s theme parks, featuring interviews with some of the biggest names across the company.
The documentary includes appearances from Josh D’Amaro, James Cameron, Kevin Feige, Pete Docter, Jon Favreau, and Jennifer Lee, who share how beloved stories make the leap from the screen into real-life attractions.
Fans can also expect a behind-the-scenes look at how franchises like Frozen, Zootopia, and more are transformed into immersive experiences inside Disney parks around the world.
What We Know About Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Disneyland Abu Dhabi was officially announced in May 2025 and is being developed by Miral on Yas Island.
Under the partnership, Miral will fully fund, build, and operate the resort, while Disney will oversee the creative direction and receive royalties.
Once complete, the resort will feature themed hotels, attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Bob Iger has previously described the destination as being “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” blending Disney storytelling with the culture and identity of the UAE.
While the park is still a few years away, Disney Worldbuilders looks set to offer fans their most exciting glimpse yet at the magic that’s on its way to Abu Dhabi.
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