Disneyland Abu Dhabi: The First Disney Theme Park in the Middle East Coming to Yas Island

A new chapter in global entertainment is about to unfold in the UAE capital. Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the first Disney theme park in the Middle East, is set to rise on Yas Island, marking a monumental expansion for The Walt Disney Company and a historic milestone for Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape.

A New Frontier for Disney in the UAE

In a groundbreaking announcement, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, unveiled plans for this world-class resort. The event, held at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, introduced the upcoming park as a fusion of authentic Disney magic and rich Emirati culture.

Bob Iger described the initiative as a “thrilling moment” in Disney’s storied history, calling it an oasis of extraordinary entertainment at the crossroads of the world. Meanwhile, Al Mubarak emphasized its transformative impact, referring to the destination as a whole new world of imagination.

Where Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Be Located?

The Disney park in Abu Dhabi will be part of Yas Island, a location already known for its iconic leisure attractions. Home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld, the addition of a Disney resort will reinforce the island as a premier global entertainment hub.

An Unmatched Vision: Advanced and Interactive Entertainment

According to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive park ever created by the company. Its unique waterfront setting will offer opportunities to tell stories in groundbreaking ways.

D’Amaro highlighted the timeline of development, noting that the design phase could take one to two years, followed by four to six years of construction. While the exact opening date has not yet been revealed, industry experts anticipate completion in the early 2030s.

Why This Park is a Game-Changer for the Middle East

This new Disney theme park in the UAE will mark Disney’s first-ever foray into the Middle East. It represents not just a new destination for families and fans but also a cultural bridge between East and West.

Yas Island already attracted over 38 million visitors in 2023, with theme park attendance increasing by 20% year-on-year. This solidifies the island’s position as a booming tourist destination, and the arrival of Disneyland will undoubtedly accelerate its growth.

Global Disney Parks: How Abu Dhabi Fits In

With this new addition, Disneyland Abu Dhabi becomes the seventh Disney resort worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of existing Disney locations:

North America

• Walt Disney World, Florida: The largest Disney resort, featuring four parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — along with two water parks and 25+ themed hotels.
• Disneyland Resort, California: The original Disney park, opened in 1955, includes Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

Asia

• Tokyo Disney Resort: Includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
• Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
• Shanghai Disney Resort

Europe

• Disneyland Paris: Opened in 1992 with two parks — Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

Each of these resorts carries the unique flavor of its location while remaining true to Disney’s storytelling legacy. Disneyland Abu Dhabi promises to be no different — authentically Disney, but also distinctly Emirati.

What Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Include?

While specific ride and land details have yet to be confirmed, expectations are high that the park will feature attractions from beloved franchises such as:

• Marvel
• Star Wars
• Frozen
• Toy Story
• The Lion King

The inclusion of these globally adored franchises would align with Disney’s recent trends of building immersive, franchise-based lands like Galaxy’s Edge (Star Wars) and Avengers Campus.

Disney’s Growing Presence in the UAE

Disney’s interest in the UAE has been increasing steadily. In 2024 alone, the country welcomed:

• The first stand-alone Disney Store in Yas Mall
• A flagship Disney Store in Dubai Mall

These milestones laid the foundation for a broader presence in the region, culminating in the announcement of the Disneyland theme park in Abu Dhabi.

Yas Island: The Ultimate Entertainment Destination

Yas Island is transforming into a one-stop destination for world-class entertainment. Besides the upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi, it currently boasts:

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: The world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park.
• Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi: A fully indoor theme park celebrating Warner Bros franchises.
• Yas Waterworld: One of the largest water parks in the region.
• Etihad Arena and Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Future Expansions on Yas Island

In addition to Disneyland, Yas Island will soon see:

• Expansion of Yas Waterworld
• New rides in Ferrari World
• More immersive zones at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi

These developments aim to position Abu Dhabi as a global tourism powerhouse by attracting visitors from across the world year-round.

Why This Matters for the UAE’s Vision

The launch of Disneyland Abu Dhabi aligns with the UAE’s long-term strategic goals to diversify its economy and become a leading hub for tourism, culture, and innovation.

By hosting a major international attraction like Disney, Abu Dhabi sends a clear message: the UAE is ready to compete on a global scale in the leisure and entertainment sector.

This massive investment will also generate employment opportunities, attract international partnerships, and inspire regional youth through creativity and imagination.

Final Thoughts

Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn’t just another theme park — it’s a bold step into the future for both Disney and the UAE. By blending the magic of Disney with the rich cultural heritage of the Emirates, this new park will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for residents, tourists, and Disney fans alike.

As the world watches and waits for its grand opening, one thing is certain: Abu Dhabi is set to become the Middle East’s new capital of wonder.