Disneyland Is Coming to Abu Dhabi – Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Big news for the UAE and theme park lovers around the world — Disneyland is officially coming to Abu Dhabi! This marks the first Disney theme park in the Middle East and the seventh in the world, joining the ranks of California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The announcement was made during a special event celebrating Yas Island’s 15th anniversary, and it’s safe to say: the excitement is real.

A Magical Milestone for Disney

During the reveal, Disney CEO Bob Iger reflected on the company’s 102-year history, calling this one of its most defining moments since the original Disneyland opened in 1955. “Having entertained four billion people across six Disney theme parks around the world, we are here today to announce and celebrate another great moment: an agreement to bring a Disney theme park to Abu Dhabi,” he said. Iger also emphasized that this new park will blend beloved Disney characters and stories with the culture and tastes of the region.

Yas Island to Host Disney’s Newest Destination

Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be built on the Yas Island Waterfront, placing it right next to iconic attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The strategic location will help connect tourism markets across the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe — further cementing Yas Island as a global entertainment powerhouse.

World-Class Collaboration

The project will be developed by Miral, the leading curator of experiences in Abu Dhabi, while Disney will oversee the creative design and attraction development. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, revealed that the new park will “push the boundaries of theme park design,” featuring cutting-edge technology and a castle unlike anything Disney has ever built before.

A Global Entertainment Game-Changer

Disneyland Abu Dhabi is part of Disney’s $60 billion investment into its Parks and Experiences division over the next 10 years. This move is a major step in expanding Disney’s presence in key global markets and elevating Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination for family tourism, culture, and entertainment.