Not a Drill: A Disney Theme Park Is Coming to Abu Dhabi
For the first time in 15 years, Disney is building a brand-new theme park, and it’s landing in Abu Dhabi. The magic is finally heading to the Middle East, and it’s not just a copy of other Disney parks. Here’s everything you need to know.
Abu Dhabi Will Be Home to Disney’s 7th Global Resort
Disney just announced its seventh global resort, and it’s coming to Yas Island, already home to SeaWorld, Warner Bros. World, and more. It’s a dream combo of Disney-level storytelling with Abu Dhabi’s futuristic vibe.
Disney Handles the Magic, Miral Builds the Park
Disney isn’t funding the park directly. The UAE-based company Miral will handle construction and operation, while Disney Imagineers (the masterminds behind all your favorite attractions) will lead creative design and bring the storytelling magic.
Say Goodbye to the Classic Castle: Here Comes a Crystal Tower
Forget Cinderella’s or Sleeping Beauty’s fairytale castle. The Abu Dhabi version features a spiraling crystal tower, like something out of a futuristic fantasy movie. And it’ll sit right on the waterfront, another first for Disney.
Location, Location, Location: Why Abu Dhabi Makes Sense
Abu Dhabi is just a 4-hour flight for one-third of the planet, including 1.4 billion people in India. The park is expected to draw millions from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. So, yes, you may end up planning your next trip here instead of to Florida.
Disney’s Most High-Tech Park Yet
This park is all about next-level immersion. Disney plans to use tools like Unreal Engine (used in films and games) to make rides feel like you’re inside the movie. It’s giving Tomorrowland energy with a Gulf twist.
A Disney Park That Reflects Emirati Culture
The park won’t be a copy-paste. From food to design, it will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati”, blending Arabian culture with iconic characters and attractions. No word yet on which franchises will feature, but expect something unique.
When’s It Opening?
The timeline is estimated to be 2030s. Disney says designing takes around two years and building it takes five to six more. Translation: You’ve got time to save up for your dream trip.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the announcement of the Disney Theme Park Resort on Yas Island waterfront. pic.twitter.com/EnpN4oaOHP— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) May 7, 2025
It’s Gonna Be Magical
Disney Park’s heading to Yas Island, and it’s not just bringing a castle, it’s bringing a whole new era of theme parks. With futuristic tech, local flavor, and iconic storytelling, Disneyland Abu Dhabi might just become the crown jewel of Disney’s global empire.
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