Disney is building its seventh theme park resort in Abu Dhabi
The Walt Disney Company and Miral have announced that the seventh Disney resort in the world is being built in Abu Dhabi, specifically on Yas Island. This is a park that will be owned and operated by Miral, much like how Tokyo Disney Resort is owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company. Check out the announcement video for the new park below.
Now as you might expect, details on this new resort are very light, like exceptionally, but we know a few things. First the owners, Miral, own both Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the former of which is almost entirely indoors.
The other thing we know is the location, Yas Island. This is where both the above parks are located, as well as Waterworld Abu Dhabi, it is also where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place, around the Yas Marina Circuit. Now the exact location of the new resort was not announced but given that they have said it will be on the waterfront, it is likely to be on the North side of the island and not near the existing attractions.
The final thing that has been announced is that like Tokyo Disney Resort, Disney Imagineers will oversee the design and construction of the parks, as well as providing operational oversight. This will ensure that the same Disney touches you know from other parks are to be enjoyed here. Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
The only thing they did not reveal is a planned release timeframe on the new resort. Shanghai Disneyland was announced in November 2010 and then opened in June 2016, with construction beginning in April 2011. Universal’s own Epic Universe theme park, which opens officially on May 22, 2025, was announced in August 2019, so a six-year cycle is normal for new resorts. If that same timeline holds true here, that would mean 2031 for the new resort, if not later, it could also be sooner, depending on what is being offered.
For now we have to wait, but if you want your Disney resort fix, we do have three in our region with Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort.
Below are some quotes from various Disney and Miral executives:
“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. 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. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development. Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”
“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure. Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.”
“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”
