A pivotal brand in most, if not all childhoods, Disney is set to make history by bringing its magic to the Middle East for the very first time.

Today it was announced that a brand new Disney theme park and resort is slated to open, in collaboration with Miral, in the United Arab Emirates' capital of Abu Dhabi. This ambitious project will be located on Yas Island, and is set to mark Disney’s first-ever theme park in the region and is expected to be the most technologically advanced Disney destination ever built.

Disneyland Resort Abu Dhabi (render)

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The announcement was made by Disney CEO Bob Iger, who described the first Middle Eastern park as a modern Disneyland, seamlessly blending cutting-edge innovation with beloved Disney storytelling. Of the new project in Abu Dhabi, Iger said in a statement, “This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity.”

This will be the brand's seventh international entertainment destination aside from the original Floridian location, including California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai

Disneyland Abu Dhabi Announcement

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Disneyland Abu Dhabi Announcement

Partnering with Miral, the company behind Abu Dhabi's already popular entertainment destinations of Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Disney Imagineers will lead the creative design and operations, ensuring an authentic Disney experience, however, the theme park will be developed and built by Miral. The collaboration aims to redefine theme park entertainment, offering visitors next-generation storytelling woven into Abu Dhabi’s landscape.

Described as Disney’s most tech-forward park, the resort will feature groundbreaking attractions and a waterfront setting that allows for new storytelling possibilities. Its centrepiece will be a modernised Disney castle, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s futuristic vision while retaining the fairytale charm Disney is known for.

The park will introduce immersive attractions, interactive experiences, and reimagined classic rides, all designed with state-of-the-art technology. As Disney expands its global footprint, this venture reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class entertainment hub, attracting visitors from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

With construction underway, this project is set to boost tourism, drawing millions of visitors annually and cementing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier global destination for leisure and entertainment. As anticipation builds, Disney fans worldwide are eager to see how this new era of Disney magic unfolds in the UAE.

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