USD 
In a landmark move, Disney Experiences has announced plans to open its seventh global destination: Disneyland Abu Dhabi – the brand’s first-ever theme park in the Middle East.
Set to join the ranks of Disneyland parks in California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai, this chapter will bring Disney magic to a brand-new audience. With Abu Dhabi’s rise as an entertainment powerhouse and travel hub, the city offers a dazzling backdrop for Disney’s next evolution.
Curious about the magic in the making? Be our guest – here’s everything we know so far.
Where will the new Disneyland Abu Dhabi be located?
Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a world gateway, welcoming millions of travellers through its award-winning, futuristic Zayed International Airport. Beyond the terminals, this capital city reveals striking contrasts, with gleaming skyscrapers and white-and-gold mosques sit between pristine beaches and desert dunes.
Yas Island is the emirate’s premier entertainment hotspot – and will soon be home to the Happiest Place on Earth – with Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Disney CEO Bob Iger sharing the news in May 2025 on CNBC.
Why did Disneyland choose Yas Island?
Yas Island is a mega-playground of thrills, theatrics and more than just a touch of glamour. From the high-octane Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, to the splash-filled Yas Waterworld, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be adding a sprinkle of magic to a lineup of world-class attractions.
It will rub shoulders with Ferrari World, where speed meets luxury under one roof, and Warner Bros. World, one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks. The team behind it all? Developer Miral, known as Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations. Now that Miral is teaming up with Disney Experiences, it seems Disneyland Abu Dhabi will fit right in.
When will the new Disneyland Abu Dhabi open?
Much like Cinderella waited for her moment to shine, we too must practice patience. While an exact opening date hasn’t been confirmed, Iger mentioned in the CNBC interview that the design phase typically spans 18 months to two years, followed by approximately five years for construction. This hints at an opening between 2030 and 2032, though timelines remain flexible.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or a curious traveller, the countdown has officially begun. As the Fairy Godmother wisely said, “even miracles take a little time”, and this one will be worth the wait.
How will the new Disneyland Abu Dhabi be different?
In a Disneyland first, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to be largely indoors. That means a Disneyland where Hakuna Matata truly comes to life, with no worries for the rest of your days: the weather is always perfect.
In true Middle Eastern fashion, this park is tipped to be Disney’s most high-tech yet, while also celebrating Emirati culture. According to Iger, Disneyland Abu Dhabi promises to be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” Expect a centrepiece castle, beloved characters and the thrills fans adore reimagined through an Abu Dhabi lens.
Josh D’Amaro offered a glimpse of what’s to come on Instagram, teasing that this Disneyland will be unlike any before. “We have a beautiful waterfront to play with, and the possibilities for this next theme park are endless.”
Featured Image Source: ©DISNEY.
