Disney Is Opening Its First Theme Park Since 2016 in Abu Dhabi

The happiest place on Earth is coming to the United Arab Emirates. The Walt Disney Company announced plans for a groundbreaking seventh theme park destination, marking the first since Shanghai Disneyland’s opening in 2016. 

In partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leader in immersive experiences and family entertainment, Disney revealed a new waterfront theme park resort located at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, a “world-class destination for entertainment and leisure.” Yas Island, also operated by Miral, is a sprawling resort destination home to hotels, cutting-edge theme parks, and more.

“This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shoreslines, and breathtaking architecture,” Disney Parks Blog shared. 

“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 experience in unique and modern ways,” Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, shared in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure

The partnership will operate similarly to Tokyo Disneyland Resort. Disney and its Imagineers will provide creative leadership while Miral will fully develop, build, and operate it. Disney will have the opportunity to reach an entirely new audience while Abu Dhabi will continue to grow its thriving tourism market.

Details on rides and attractions have yet to be revealed but the announcement disclosed that in addition to a theme park, the property will feature themed accommodations, dining, and retail experiences that “celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.” 

“Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said in a statement. He added that the location of the resort, on the shorelines, will enhance their storytelling abilities. “Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”

UAE is accessible via the world’s largest global airline hub, with a reported 120 passengers traveling through Dubai and Abu Dhabi each year. It is also notably within a four-hour flight from one-third of the world’s population.

“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.”

No opening date has been announced. Miral’s Yas Island is currently home to hotels, Warner Bros. World theme park, and Ferrari World theme park, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster which reaches speeds of 149 mph.