Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the first Disneyland in the Middle East. SUPPLIED

The Walt Disney Company and Abu Dhabi’s Miral Group have officially announced the creation of Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the first Disney theme park resort in the Middle East. The massive entertainment project will be located on Yas Island, already home to top attractions like Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and Ferrari World. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far, based on the May 7 announcement and official statements from Disney and Miral executives:

Is Disneyland Abu Dhabi really happening?

Yes. On May 7, The Walt Disney Company and Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based developer of Yas Island, jointly announced that a Disney theme park resort will be built in Abu Dhabi. It will be Disney’s seventh theme park destination globally, and the first ever in the Middle East.

Where will Disneyland Abu Dhabi be located?

The theme park resort will be built on Yas Island, the entertainment hub of Abu Dhabi. The island is already home to major global brands like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

When will Disneyland Abu Dhabi open?

An exact opening date has not been confirmed, but the timeline has been outlined by Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “We are in the process of designing the resort. The design phase will take about two years, followed by approximately five to six years of construction,” D’Amaro said in an interview reported by Bloomberg. If all goes to plan, Disneyland Abu Dhabi could welcome its first visitors by 2032 or 2033!

What will Disneyland Abu Dhabi look like?

D’Amaro revealed that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will feature a “modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created”, hinting at a bold departure from the classic European-inspired castle designs like those in other Disneyland parks. An artist's impression of Disneyland Abu Dhabi “This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said D’Amaro. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio… anchored by a beautiful waterfront — which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways.” The Disney team also emphasized that the Abu Dhabi park will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati — an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Who is designing and building Disneyland Abu Dhabi?

Miral will fully develop and operate the resort, while Disney Imagineers will lead the creative design, storytelling, and operational oversight of the theme park. “This project is a continuation of our collaboration with Miral to bring world-class experiences to Yas Island,” said D’Amaro. “Disney will lead the creative vision, and Miral will bring it to life with their regional expertise.” Miral has previously partnered with major international brands to deliver world-class entertainment destinations in the UAE.

What will be inside Disneyland Abu Dhabi?

While detailed plans are still under wraps, Disney has confirmed that the park will include immersive rides and attractions based on iconic Disney stories and characters, themed accommodation, retail and dining experiences as well as signature Disney entertainment, tailored to reflect Emirati culture “This resort will blend the beloved Disney stories and characters with the cultures and tastes of this country and region,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses from the design phase to construction. Disneyland Abu Dhabi is poised to become a landmark tourist destination — and a new chapter in Disney’s global storytelling legacy. ICA/Expat Media
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