Disney Announces New Theme Park Resort in Abu Dhabi

Disney Announces New Theme Park Resort in Abu Dhabi

In a major move to broaden its worldwide reach, The Walt Disney Company has formally announced plans to open its first theme park in the Middle East. This new project will become Disney's seventh theme park resort globally and will be located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

A Strategic Collaboration with Miral

To achieve this big project, Disney is working with Miral, a well-known creator of fully immersive experiences in Abu Dhabi. Disney's Imagineers will be in charge of the resort's creative design and management of operations, while Miral will oversee its development and construction. Notably, Disney is going to benefit from royalties generated by the resort's tasks instead of making a direct capital investment in the project.

Embracing Emirati Culture and Innovation

The CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, recognized the unique opportunity of integrating the rich cultural history of Abu Dhabi with Disney's story. He went on, "This is a wonderful moment for our company as we announce plans for an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, a country whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity."
By combining modern design with state-of-the-art technology, the resort hopes to provide visitors with immersive entertainment experiences that capture the vitality of Abu Dhabi's futuristic culture and Disney's classic stories.

Yas Island: A Growing Entertainment Hub

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi are just a few of the outstanding attractions that have already made Yas Island legendary. Yas Island will become even more of a top international entertainment destination with the opening of the Disney theme park.

Project Timeline and Expectations

Disney predicts that the design and development phase will take between 18 months to two years, followed by a construction period of approximately five years, even if an official opening date is yet to be determined. According to this timetable, the resort might welcome visitors as early as the 2030s.

Expanding Disney's Global Reach

Disney's strategic decision to enter the Middle Eastern market by introducing its cherished characters and storylines to a new audience is shown by this new resort in Abu Dhabi. Nearly one-third of the world's population lives within four hours' flight from the United Arab Emirates, making it a prime destination for tourism and brand growth.