Disney’s Boldest Bet Yet Is in Abu Dhabi
When The Walt Disney Company announced its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, the world reacted with excitement, curiosity — and a little disbelief. But for Abu Dhabi, the move felt almost inevitable. Over the past decade, the emirate has methodically reimagined itself not just as a cultural hub or tourism hotspot, but as a global destination for immersive, future-ready experiences. And now, it has the ultimate symbol of that ambition: Disneyland.
Unveiled in May 2025, the project will mark Disney’s seventh theme park destination globally — and its first major expansion since Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016. The new resort, developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based developer Miral, will be built on the waterfront of Yas Island, already home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and SeaWorld.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
Why Abu Dhabi Was Chosen for Disney’s Next Global Destination
The location wasn’t chosen at random. Abu Dhabi sits within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, and more than 120 million passengers travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports every year. This centrality made it a natural hub for Disney’s first foray into the Middle East.
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”
The idea began with Miral approaching Disney in 2024 to discuss Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global leisure hub. Following a series of visits and conversations — including a site tour in September and follow-ups in February — the two parties formalised the deal in May 2025. Under the agreement, Miral will finance, build, and operate the park, while Disney will lead creative development through its renowned Imagineers and receive royalties based on the resort’s revenue.
A $60 Billion Bet on the Future of Experiences
Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn’t just a standalone venture — it’s a centrepiece of Disney’s plan to “turbocharge” its Experiences division. In 2023, the company committed $60 billion over 10 years to expand its parks, cruise lines, and immersive entertainment offerings.
That investment reflects the growing importance of experiential revenue to Disney’s business. In 2024, the Experiences segment generated $34 billion — more than half of the company’s total operating income.
“This is a new chapter,” said D’Amaro. “Every new location gives us a chance to rethink what a Disney destination can be — and in Abu Dhabi, we’re doing exactly that.”
Yas Island: From Formula 1 to Fantasy
The chosen site, Yas Island, is already a tourism powerhouse. It hosted 38 million visits in 2024 — a 10 percent increase from the previous year — and its hotel occupancy reached 90 percent during the peak travel season. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai, it’s perfectly positioned to serve local residents and international tourists alike.
“Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. “This marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure.”
Built for the Desert: A Theme Park That Can Beat the Heat
The climate of the UAE — with summer temperatures exceeding 50°C — raised immediate questions about the park’s usability year-round. But Disney and Miral have been clear: this will be a hybrid model that blends outdoor charm with indoor comfort.
“We’re being incredibly ambitious in terms of the architecture and use of space,” said D’Amaro. “One of the great things about the piece of land that we’ll be building on is it’s right up against the water, and so we’ll be pulling water into this resort.”
Al Zaabi confirmed that climate adaptation is a top priority. “As you know, we have done all our theme parks indoors,” he said. “It’s too early to share details, but I will say it’ll be the most advanced Disney theme park in the world. Expect local tech companies to be involved.”
A Launch That Lit Up the Region
The announcement wasn’t just corporate—it was cinematic. To unveil Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the emirate staged one of the region’s most spectacular reveals. In partnership with Disney, Dubai-based drone company Lumasky launched a record-breaking drone light show, deploying 9,000 drones to form a glowing rendition of Cinderella’s Castle in the night sky. The show set a new regional record and included intricate animated sequences choreographed by Disney’s own creative team. At the same time, the Burj Khalifa lit up with a custom Disney projection, casting Mickey Mouse across the world’s tallest building and turning Dubai’s skyline into a canvas for the brand’s global magic.
The launch was more than just a spectacle—it was a signal of scale, ambition, and the UAE’s ability to stage global-first moments that blend art, innovation, and narrative.
Technology, Storytelling, and Culture Collide
While renderings remain under wraps, Disney executives have confirmed that the park will feature an entirely new architectural language — including a reimagined, crystal-inspired castle. The attractions will be powered by technologies such as Unreal Engine and real-time rendering, while interactive shows and AI-enhanced characters will create dynamic, personalised experiences.
Most notably, the park will blend global Disney stories with local culture.
“The concept for this resort will push the boundaries of theme park design, showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture,” said D’Amaro. “We’ll celebrate both Disney’s heritage and Abu Dhabi’s cultural essence in deeply immersive ways.”
Real Estate, Jobs, and the Economic Multiplier Effect
Disney’s presence is already reshaping the surrounding property market. In April 2025, Abu Dhabi recorded AED 2.9 billion ($789 million) in property transactions — 70 percent of which were off-plan. Prices on Yas Island and nearby Saadiyat and Al Jubail Islands have surged, with villas now reaching AED 10 million and short-term rental demand booming.
“The arrival of Disneyland will be a game-changer for Abu Dhabi’s property landscape,” said Nada Jaouhar, Abu Dhabi Branch Director at Betterhomes. “We expect increased demand for high-quality, future-oriented homes, especially those in close proximity to the park.”
The project will also be a job generator. Disneyland Paris employs more than 18,000 people, and a similar workforce is expected in Abu Dhabi. Analysts estimate 20,000 roles during the construction phase and over 10,000 permanent jobs when the resort is fully operational.
When Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Open?
While no official opening date has been set, Disney has outlined a realistic timeline. D’Amaro said the design phase would take one to two years, followed by four to six years of construction. If everything stays on track, the park is expected to open between 2030 and 2033.
Park Wars: How Disney’s Arrival Raises the Stakes Across the Region
Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn’t just a win for the UAE — it’s a challenge to every other player in the region’s entertainment industry. With its unmatched global brand recognition and storytelling mastery, Disney’s presence on Yas Island is expected to shift consumer loyalty and spark a new era of competition.
“It’s going to get very competitive for the other parks already operating in the UAE,” said Stefan Zwanzger, founder of ThemeparX.com and ResortX.com. “When kids have a choice on Saturday and Sunday — ‘Where shall we go?’ — and they can choose between Warner Bros World and Ferrari World and all the other parks, I think 90 percent of the kids will say Disneyland.”
Analysts widely agree that Disney’s arrival could trigger a ripple effect across the global theme park sector. Entertainment giants like Universal Studios — home to blockbuster IPs like Harry Potter and Jurassic World — are expected to respond.
Zwanzger is unequivocal: “Universal Studios will never allow Disney to be the only one of the two in the Middle East. They have a London resort coming — they’re going to be busy now — but the next Universal Studios park will be a Middle Eastern one.”
Universal had once planned a park in Dubai, but the project was abandoned in 2009 during the global financial crisis. Now, with Disney’s commitment to Yas Island, all eyes are on Saudi Arabia, where a new Universal project could serve as a strategic counter. “With Warner Bros World and Disney on Yas Island, Universal isn’t going to appear there,” said entertainment journalist Christian Sylt. “It’s hard to imagine Saudi Arabia not being interested in attracting Universal now that it can’t get a Disney park.”
He added that while Saudi Arabia is set to open a Six Flags park later this year — home to what will reportedly be the world’s fastest, longest, and tallest roller coaster — “even that can’t compare with Disney.” Sylt also noted that Universal is rumoured to be developing a park in Delhi, India. “If that is true, we suspect the investment in it will be increased in light of the recent Disney news.”
Regardless of what competitors decide, Abu Dhabi has made its move. With this deal, the emirate has not only secured the world’s most influential entertainment brand — it has positioned itself decisively at the top of the region’s tourism and leisure ecosystem.
This isn’t just a park. It’s a masterstroke — a cultural blueprint, an economic catalyst, and a statement of intent. The castle may be the icon. But the real story is the future it represents.
Further Reading:
- Kids go free all summer on Yas Island
- 64 Abu Dhabi Students Graduate From Miral’s 2024 ‘Summer Squad’ Work Experience Programme