At a Glance
- Disney’s newest global resort, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, will open on Yas Island.
- The project is a partnership with Miral Group and will feature Disney-themed attractions, dining and retail.
- Development is expected to take 8-10 years, with design taking 1-2 years and construction about 6.
- Why it matters: It marks Disney’s first Middle East park, expanding its global footprint and tapping a rapidly growing tourism hub.
Disney’s CEO Bob Iger shared a first look at the future site of Disneyland Abu Dhabi on Jan. 25, giving fans a glimpse of the planned resort on Yas Island. The photo series showcased a waterfront plot that already hosts attractions such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.
The park will be Disney’s seventh global theme-park resort and the company’s first in the Middle East. According to the state-run Abu Dhabi Media Office, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with Disney leaders last week to discuss the project.
Iger, 74, wrote in his caption, “Walking the site of what will one day be Disneyland Abu Dhabi! Lots of work ahead, but all very exciting!” He added that the resort would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” describing it as an oasis of extraordinary entertainment.
The development will be fully built by Miral Group, a regional leader in immersive entertainment. Disney’s legendary Imagineers will oversee creative design and operational oversight, according to the company’s initial press release.
The partnership began when Miral first approached Disney about expanding the tourism hub in Abu Dhabi. Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences chairman, told Reuters that Miral’s outreach led him to visit the prospective site in September 2024.
A subsequent trip in February resulted in a formal agreement between the parties, D’Amaro said. He noted that the park would bring Disney stories to new, younger fans in the region.
Design is expected to take one to two years, while construction could take another six, D’Amaro told Reuters. The timeline reflects the scale of the project and the need for extensive planning.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 25 | Iger posts site photos |
| May 2025 | Project officially announced |
| Sep. 2024 | Initial site visit by D’Amaro |
| Feb. 2025 | Formal agreement reached |
| 2025-2034 | Design and construction phases |
Abu Dhabi’s population is about 2.5 million, but Yas Island recorded more than 34 million visits in 2023, a 38% rise compared to the previous year, according to Miral.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 2.5 million |
| 2023 Visitor Count | 34 million |
| Visitor Growth | 38% |
Disney’s history of expanding into new markets began with its first park in Anaheim in 1955. Subsequent resorts followed in Florida (1971), Tokyo (1983), Paris (1992), Hong Kong (2005), and Shanghai (2016). Each park has introduced unique attractions while maintaining core Disney storytelling.
The new Abu Dhabi resort will feature Disney-themed attractions, dining and retail experiences, similar to those found at other Disney parks. It is expected to become a major draw for both local residents and international tourists.
Key Takeaways
- Disneyland Abu Dhabi represents Disney’s first foray into the Middle East.
- The project is a joint effort with Miral Group, leveraging local expertise and Disney’s creative leadership.
- Design and construction are projected to span 8-10 years, with a focus on blending Disney storytelling with Emirati culture.
- The site’s location on Yas Island positions it within a thriving entertainment corridor.
- Visitor statistics show significant growth, underscoring the market’s potential for a new Disney resort.
