Disneyland Abu Dhabi is officially moving from concept to concrete reality, with Disney confirming Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates as the location for its long-anticipated Middle Eastern theme park.
The announcement follows the release of photos shared by Disney chief executive Bob Iger, showing him walking the waterfront site that will one day host the resort. The development represents Disney’s seventh global theme park destination and its first entirely new location since Shanghai Disney Resort opened in China in 2016.
For Abu Dhabi, the project reinforces its ambition to become one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment hubs, while for Disney it marks a strategic entry into a fast-growing tourism market bridging Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The park will be developed by Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based company behind much of Yas Island’s transformation into a major entertainment district. While Disney has not announced an official opening date, early estimates suggest a multi-year timeline, with design expected to take one to two years and construction potentially lasting four to six years. Industry observers estimate the total investment could reach around $10 billion, fully funded by Miral, underscoring the scale of the commitment from the United Arab Emirates.
A Waterfront Resort Designed for a New Region
Yas Island’s northern waterfront, where Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be built, offers a setting unlike any previous Disney park. The area remains largely undeveloped, giving designers a blank canvas to create a destination that integrates water, open space, and iconic architecture. Disney executives have described the location as “incredibly unique,” noting that the waterfront environment allows for new approaches to storytelling and park design.
Disney has emphasized that the resort will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” signaling a blend of classic characters and narratives with local cultural elements and contemporary design. Although specific attractions have not yet been revealed, the resort is expected to include themed lands, entertainment experiences, retail, dining, and at least one Disney-branded hotel. The focus will be on creating a full-scale destination rather than a standalone park, aligning with Disney’s global resort model seen in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
The announcement has also drawn global attention because it marks Disney’s first expansion into the Middle East. Supporters point to the region’s strong tourism growth and Abu Dhabi’s track record with large-scale attractions on Yas Island, which already hosts major theme parks and entertainment venues.
At the same time, the project has sparked debate among some Disney fans, particularly around cultural and social issues in the United Arab Emirates. Disney leadership has responded by reiterating its long-standing approach of respecting local cultures while maintaining the core values of the brand.
As planning continues, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched theme park projects of the decade. Positioned on Yas Island and backed by significant investment, it reflects both Disney’s confidence in international growth and Abu Dhabi’s determination to cement its place on the global tourism map.