Why we’re curious about Disney’s new Abu Dhabi theme park
What to know
- Disney is building its first-ever Middle Eastern theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
- A collaboration with local developers promises Disney magic with Emirati flair.
- No opening date yet, but this new park should be on your travel radar now.
Concept art. Image © Disney. All rights reserved
Did you hear the good news? The Walt Disney Company announced that it will open its first theme park in the Middle East. Launching in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, this will be Disney's seventh global theme park resort.
Like Hong Kong and Tokyo parks, Disney won’t be doing this alone either. Miral, Abu Dhabi’s “leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences”, will collaborate on the project with Disney to bring this large and purportedly technologically advanced park within spitting distance of Africa, India, Asia and Europe.
Where is it?
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in the UAE. That’s about 30 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, near the airport and about an hour from Dubai.
When does it open?
No date is given in the press release. The average time from announcement to completion, based on Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai, is about 5-7 years. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said a project of this scale could take a year or two to design, and another four to six years to build. For Disney’s Abu Dhabi park, if the project follows a similar timeline, we might expect an opening between 2029 and 2031.
What attractions will we find there?
The initial announcement doesn’t list any specific attractions or themed lands. Instead, it focuses on the broader vision—merging Disney’s storytelling with local culture. “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” indicating a blend of local culture and classic Disney IP. This is similar to Shanghai Disneyland’s motto of "Authentically Disney but distinctly Chinese." There’s a heavy emphasis on technology and waterfront location, and a vague mention of “signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences.”
Artist concept © Disney. All rights reserved
Won’t it be hot?
Yes. Summer daytime highs range from 39°C to 43°C (102°F to 109°F), with nighttime lows averaging around 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). It's not uncommon for temperatures to reach up to 48°C (118°F) during heatwaves, so hopefully that waterfront will cool things down. You think Florida is sweaty? This will be some of the hottest weather in any Disney park. It’s a dry heat.
What else is near there?
As the press release says, the UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism. With the nearby Dubai, and two of the largest airports in the world, 120 million passengers pass through there every year.
Other major parks in the area include IMG Worlds of Adventure (Dubai), Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Will LGBTQ families be welcome in Disneyland Abu Dhabi?
This remains an open question. While Disney shareholders recently voted down an anti-LGBTQ proposal at the company’s annual meeting—reaffirming the brand’s public support for LGBTQ inclusion—same-sex relationships and public expressions of LGBTQ identity remain criminalised or heavily restricted under UAE law. Disney has a strong LGBTQ fanbase and supports Pride across many of its global parks, so we’ll be watching closely to see how (or if) this translates in the Abu Dhabi context. Come on, it’s on Yasssss Island!
