Disney has announced plans for a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, potentially opening by 2030. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed this exciting news at a recent ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, explained the timeline for this ambitious project. He stated that the design phase typically lasts around two years, followed by four to six years of construction. This schedule suggests the park could be ready for guests by 2030.
This new theme park in Abu Dhabi will stand out by featuring a Disney castle directly on the waterfront. The striking castle design will adapt to the region’s climate, becoming a landmark for visitors. Yas Island is already a significant tourism hub, drawing over 38 million guests in 2024 alone.
The United Arab Emirates sees leisure developments like this as key to diversifying its economy beyond oil. Non-oil economic growth rose 4.6% in 2024 and expects to reach 5.1% by 2025.
Government-backed Miral, the developer behind Yas Island’s current theme parks, will build and operate Disney’s Abu Dhabi park. This arrangement mirrors Tokyo Disneyland’s successful model, where Disney receives licensing fees without covering construction costs.
Miral’s chairman, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, expressed excitement about this partnership. “We are creating a whole new world of imagination with Disney,” he explained. “It will inspire generations, providing magical memories families can treasure forever.”
Disney currently operates parks in Shanghai, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and the United States. The Abu Dhabi park marks Disney’s first location in the Middle East, further expanding its global footprint.
The new theme park in Abu Dhabi promises to be a major boost to the economy, attracting millions of visitors annually.
