Disneyland Abu Dhabi – Everything We Know So Far!

The magic of Disney is coming to the Middle East with the official announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi.

This isn’t just any theme park, it’s set to be the first Disney resort in the region and the seventh worldwide, bringing a whole new world of Disney wonder to the UAE.

Futuristic, colorful cityscape with glowing towers and lush parks, inspired by a Disneyland Abu Dhabi skyline.
 
 

Disneyland Abu Dhabi – A Partnership with Miral

To make Disneyland Abu Dhabi a reality, Disney is teaming up with Miral, a UAE-based entertainment company behind some of Yas Island’s most iconic attractions, like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World. Together, they’re crafting a magical new Disney destination that’s sure to become a must-visit spot for Disney lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

 

Disneyland Abu Dhabi is being developed through a licensing agreement with Miral. Miral will fully finance, build, and operate the park, while Disney provides its intellectual property and creative oversight, earning revenue through licensing fees and royalties without investing its own capital.

 

Download the official press release here

 

Yas Island: The Location of Disneyland Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is already a major crossroads for global travelers. Yas Island isn’t just any location, it’s already a hotbed of entertainment and fun. With roller coasters, water parks, and world-class experiences, it’s a prime location for Disney’s first-ever Middle Eastern park. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will fit right in, while also bringing something totally fresh and fantastical to the mix.

 
Futuristic building with a glowing spire near water evokes the magic of Abu Dhabi Disneyland under a deep blue sky.
 

Fully Indoor Park Design for Year-Round Comfort

Disneyland Abu Dhabi is going to be a a fully indoor park. That’s right, imagine a Disney world where the weather’s always perfect. This cutting-edge design will keep guests cool and comfortable while they experience all the magic, no matter how hot it gets outside.

 

Timeline and Projected Opening for Disneyland Abu Dhabi

So, when can you start planning your visit? Planning is set to kick off soon, and while we don’t have an official opening date yet, we aren’t expecting an opening date until the early 2030s.

 

Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be a Fusion of Storytelling and Culture

Disneyland Abu Dhabi will blend Disney’s signature storytelling with rich Emirati culture. According to Disney CEO Bob Iger, Disneyland Abu Dhabi promises to be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” The park will combine beloved Disney storytelling with local UAE culture and futuristic design, blending fantasy with heritage.

 
Mickey Mouse arch, sharing Disneyland Abu Dhabi news by the sea.
 

Advanced Technology

Not only will Disneyland Abu Dhabi be magical, it’ll also be super high-tech and sustainable. Expect advanced cooling systems to keep things comfy and the most technologically advanced rides on the planet

 

A New Disney Destination Awaits

The countdown is officially on! Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or just someone who loves a good theme park, Disneyland Abu Dhabi promises to be an unforgettable new chapter in Disney’s story. From iconic rides to cultural twists, there’s going to be something for everyone. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be a bold move to connect with fans in a brand new part of the world. For Disney, it’s another step in bringing the magic to every corner of the globe and sharing its stories with a whole new audience.

 

Disneyland Abu Dhabi Frequently Asked Questions:

When is Disneyland Abu Dhabi expected to open?

Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to open in the early 2030s, however the park is still in the planning phase and no official date or timeline has been released.

 

How will Disneyland Abu Dhabi be different from other Disney parks around the world?

Unlike other Disney parks, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be fully indoors to accommodate the region’s extreme heat and will blend Disney storytelling with Emirati cultural elements.

 

Is Disney directly involved in building and operating the park?

Disney is not directly operating the park; it is being developed and managed by Abu Dhabi-based Miral Group under license, with Disney Imagineers leading the creative design.

 

What types of experiences and attractions can visitors expect at Disneyland Abu Dhabi?

Visitors can expect a mix of beloved Disney attractions, immersive storytelling, themed accommodations, and unique dining and retail experiences that reflect both Disney magic and local culture.

 

Stay tuned for more updates as the magic unfolds!

Latest News from Disneyland Abu Dhabi

Disney CEO Bob Iger Walks the Site of Future Disneyland Abu Dhabi

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Bob Iger shared photos of himself walking the grounds of the site of Disney’s next theme park in Abu Dhabi. Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, shared a post to his personal Instagram account on Sunday evening, accompanied by two photos of himself walking across a coastal … Read more
hkdl_15th-anniversary-celebration-on-nov-21_castle-of-magical-dreams-01

New Disney Theme Park Could Be Built in Thailand

There are currently 12 Disney theme parks across six global resorts, with a 13th planned in Abu Dhabi. In a report by Lifestyle Asia, yet another Disney park might be built in Thailand. Thailand Disneyland The Thai Government had previously explored the opportunity to build an entertainment complex proposal that included a casino. Now, they … Read more
Futuristic building with a glowing spire near water evokes the magic of Abu Dhabi Disneyland under a deep blue sky.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi Castle to Incorporate Water

The new episode of We Call It Imagineering is all about Disney’s castles and Imagineer Zach Riddley mentioned their new castle in Abu Dhabi may have water features. Disneyland Abu Dhabi Castle “Abu Dhabi is a city on the water,” Riddley, SVP global creative strategy, explained, “and so we’re really excited about being able to … Read more
Collage of Disney park art, Soarin' ride sign, Pluto with pumpkin, and Haunted Mansion figurine—perfect for a daily recap.

Disney Registers Potential Name for Abu Dhabi Disneyland: Daily Recap (9/1/25)

Disney registered several domains for their upcoming Abu Dhabi theme park, Soarin’ debuted new Cast Member costumes, and the Pluto Skeleton Sipper has finally arrived at Walt Disney World — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Monday, September 1, 2025. Walt Disney World EPCOT Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney Springs New Merchandise Disneyland … Read more
Futuristic, colorful cityscape with glowing towers and lush parks, inspired by a Disneyland Abu Dhabi skyline.

Disney Registers Possible Name for Abu Dhabi Disneyland

Disney registered several domains for their upcoming Abu Dhabi theme park, possibly revealing its name. Emirates Disneyland Disney Enterprises registered emiratesdisneyland.com, disneylandyasisland.com, yasdisneyland.com, and disneylandarabia.com on May 6, 2025, the day before announcing the Abu Dhabi theme park. They have also taken control of disneylandabudhabi.com, which was seemingly registered by an unconnected individual before the … Read more
A collage shows futuristic cityscapes and four men in suits on stage during a Disney theme park Abu Dhabi announcement.

Disney Announces New Theme Park in Abu Dhabi & More: Daily Recap (5/7/25)

Disney announced plans for a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will temporarily close during the last leg of Epic Universe previews — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Resort Hotels … Read more
Cinderella Castle illuminated in blue at night during a spectacular drone and fireworks show, crowd gathered below.

VIDEO: Disney Celebrates New Disneyland Abu Dhabi Park Announcement with Drone and Fireworks Show

A new video shared by Disney is celebrating the official announcement of a new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi with a drone and fireworks show as Yas Island. Abu Dhabi Drone and Firework Celebration Earlier today, The Walt Disney Company and Miral announced an official agreement to create a Disney theme park in Abu … Read more
Josh D'Amaro gestures beside concept art of a colorful, futuristic new Disney park by the water.

‘The Possibilities Are Endless’: Josh D’Amaro Shares Excitement About New Abu Dhabi Disney Park

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared his excitement about the newly announced Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi on social media. Josh D’Amaro Shares Excitement About Abu Dhabi Disney Park In an Instagram video, D’Amaro said, “This will be our seventh Disney destination around the world. And this is all part of turbo-charging our business. … Read more
Disneyland Park image for DisneylandForward story.

Disney Shares Jump Over 10% After Abu Dhabi Theme Park Announcement

The Walt Disney Company shares jumped by over 10% at the start of trading on Wednesday after the company announced an Abu Dhabi theme park. Disney Stock As of writing at approximately 10:45 a.m. ET, Disney’s shares are $101.67, an increase of 10.31% from Tuesday’s close at $92.17. This is the first time Disney’s stock … Read more
Five men in formal attire stand on stage before a blue Disney Abu Dhabi backdrop, smiling at the camera.

Disney CEO Bob Iger Says There’s Not ‘Any Place That Is Better Than’ Abu Dhabi for Next Disney Theme Park

On Wednesday morning’s Q2 FY25 earnings results webcast, The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger spoke about their decision to build a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Disney Goes to Abu Dhabi “We did study the region very carefully, and we know we had many opportunities,” Iger said. “Obviously, building … Read more