Darren YeohExciting news for globetrotters and Disney aficionados alike! Prepare to add a captivating new destination to your travel itineraries — Disneyland Abu Dhabi! That’s right, the Walt Disney Company has officially announced plans to develop its seventh global theme park resort in the United Arab Emirates, promising a unique blend of Disney magic and Middle Eastern charm.
As Disney’s seventh theme park resort worldwide, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will join the prestigious family of parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Each destination offers a distinct flavour, and this new venture promises to integrate Disney’s iconic storytelling and attractions with the rich culture, stunning coastlines, and impressive architecture of Abu Dhabi.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi: Joining the Global Disney Family
This upcoming waterfront resort will be strategically located on Abu Dhabi’s dynamic Yas Island, a burgeoning hub for entertainment and leisure. Developed in collaboration with the local firm Miral, Disneyland Abu Dhabi aims to draw a diverse international audience, inviting travellers from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond to experience its wonders.
Whilst Miral will oversee the construction of the resort, the renowned Disney Imagineers will be at the helm of the creative design and operational strategy. Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed his enthusiasm for this expansion, noting that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will rise as a spectacular destination, seamlessly merging contemporary design with cutting-edge technology to deliver deeply immersive entertainment experiences in innovative ways.
Meanwhile, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, highlighted the unique waterfront location of the park, emphasising its potential to unlock new and imaginative ways of storytelling, making it the “most advanced and interactive destination” in their portfolio. This project signifies an exciting opportunity to introduce the Disney experience to a new part of the world and welcome even more families.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi Concept Art | Image credit: Walt Disney Co.
Upon its completion, the resort will feature uniquely themed accommodations, diverse dining options, and curated retail experiences, all designed to weave together Disney’s storytelling legacy with the modern and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
While no exact date of completion has been announced, it’s worth noting that, in previous cases, a Disneyland theme park typically takes between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build.
Yas Island: A Growing Entertainment Hub
Yas Island is already a well-established destination, boasting attractions such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, alongside the Yas Marina Circuit for Formula 1, a major shopping mall, and a renowned golf course. The addition of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is set to further solidify Yas Island’s status as a premier global travel destination.
We don’t know about you, but we sure can’t wait to visit Disney’s newest theme park in the Middle East!
