Disney is breaking ground and getting ready to give the Middle East a whole new vibe!
Disney is officially opening a theme park in Abu Dhabi, its first in the Middle East. The waterfront resort will open on Yas Island with immersive attractions, hotels, and dining. An opening date has not yet been set
The destination, which is already tagged Disneyland Abu Dhabi, is Disney’s seventh global theme park resort and first of its kind in the Middle East region.
On May 7, the Walt Disney Company announced plans to open its first theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion of the Disney brand into the United Arab Emirates.
This new destination aims to become an entertainment hub for visitors from the Middle East, Africa, India, Europe, and beyond.
Miral, a key developer in Abu Dhabi, will manage the resort’s development and operations. Disney’s Imagineers will oversee the creative design and offer operational guidance to ensure an immersive experience.
Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the park’s blend of modern architecture and advanced technology to deliver unique entertainment experiences.
According to PEOPLE, he emphasized that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will capture the essence of Disney while reflecting the local culture. The project will reportedly create a vibrant oasis of entertainment that brings beloved characters and stories to life in new and inspiring ways for future generations.
In his interview with CNBC’s David Faber, Disney CEO Bob Iger shared that an official opening date for the highly anticipated theme park in Abu Dhabi has yet to be determined.
Iger noted that the typical timeline for developing such projects spans 18 months to two years for design. This will be followed by approximately five years for construction, but emphasized that no firm commitments are being made at this stage.
On Disney’s part, the decision to expand into the UAE is largely influenced by its strategic location. The region holds significance as a major air travel hub, with over 120 million travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually.
The park aims to attract families from around the globe, especially given that one-third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight.