adminThe magic of Disney New Park is set to expand its global footprint, with The Walt Disney Company announcing plans for its first-ever theme park and resort in the Middle East, to be located in Abu Dhabi. This groundbreaking venture marks Disney’s seventh global theme park destination and its first new park development in over a decade, signaling a strategic move into a region with immense tourism potential.
The new destination, to be titled Disney New Park in Abu Dhabi, will be situated on Yas Island, already a thriving entertainment hub in the United Arab Emirates. This prime location is home to popular attractions such as Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Ferrari World, making it an ideal choice for Disney’s ambitious expansion into the region.
The project is a collaboration with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations. While Disney Imagineers will spearhead the creative design and operational oversight, Miral will be fully responsible for developing, building, and operating the theme park. This unique partnership allows Disney to expand its brand without direct capital investment in construction.
One of the most innovative aspects of Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be its design to address the emirate’s extreme heat. Unique among Disney parks, it is planned to be largely or entirely indoors, leveraging advanced local and international technology to provide a comfortable and immersive experience for guests year-round.
The new resort is expected to combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters, and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture and futuristic vision. Early concept art suggests a “modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created,” promising a blend of traditional Disney magic with distinctly Emirati elements.
While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, industry experts suggest the resort could welcome its first guests in the early 2030s. The development process is extensive, typically taking several years for design, development, and construction, given the scale and complexity of a Disney theme park.