Industry News & Insights

The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to open its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, marking an exciting expansion into the region. The new resort will be located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and developed and operated by Miral Group, a leading Emirati developer. This will be Disney's seventh global theme park, joining existing locations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

The Abu Dhabi park will aim to merge Disney’s iconic storytelling with elements of Emirati culture and modern architecture, offering a unique and immersive experience for visitors. While details about specific attractions and costs have not been disclosed, the planning and design phase is already underway, with construction expected to take about five years. The resort will feature themed accommodations, dining options, retail spaces, and cutting-edge attractions that utilize advanced technology to enhance the guest experience.

Abu Dhabi's location, within a four-hour flight radius of one-third of the global population, positions it perfectly to attract a wide audience. As a major international travel hub, with over 120 million passengers annually passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the new Disney resort is set to appeal to visitors from around the world.

This development is part of Disney’s broader strategy to invest $60 billion in its parks and experiences division over the next decade. The Abu Dhabi park is expected to serve as a cultural and creative bridge, blending Disney’s global appeal with the UAE’s rich heritage and modernity.

The announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi underscores Disney’s commitment to growing its global footprint and delivering extraordinary entertainment experiences to audiences in the Middle East.