A few weeks after the announcement of the future opening of a Universal theme park in the UK, The Walt Disney Company confirmed its plans to open a Disneyland resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The new park will mark the company’s seventh destination globally, continuing its expansion in the Middle East.
Strategic location and cultural integration
The new resort will be located on the waterfront of Yas Island, a renowned entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The park will merge Disney’s iconic storytelling and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future.” – Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral
This collaboration aims to create a distinctive experience that combines creativity with cultural relevance, offering an innovative destination for visitors across the region.
Disney’s role and operational design
Miral, Abu Dhabi’s key developer of leisure and entertainment destinations, will be responsible for building and operating the resort. Disney’s creative team, led by its famous Imagineers, will oversee the park’s design and operational aspects.
The park is expected to feature a blend of contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art technology, creating deeply immersive experiences for visitors.
“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.” – Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company
Expansion and global reach
This new Disney theme park will be a major attraction in the region, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global entertainment hub. With its strategic location, the UAE is within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism.
The park is expected to cater to both regional and international visitors. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the project as a groundbreaking opportunity, “This resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before.”
Vision for the future
The development of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to contribute to sustained economic growth in the region, further solidifying Yas Island as a premier destination for leisure and tourism.
“Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.” – Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral
With its unique position, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will provide a wide array of attractions, dining, retail experiences, and themed accommodations. The project marks a milestone in the expansion of Disney’s theme park portfolio, poised to offer a fresh, culturally integrated approach to entertainment.
