Disney Announces New Theme Park in Abu Dhabi, Expanding Global Footprint
LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2025) – The Walt Disney Company unveiled plans for “Disneyland Abu Dhabi”, a new waterfront resort on Yas Island, marking the entertainment giant’s seventh global theme park and reinforcing the UAE’s rise as a tourism and business hub.
Key Highlights of the Project:
1. A Fusion of Disney Magic & Emirati Culture
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Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (alongside attractions like Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi).
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Design: Blends Disney’s iconic characters and storytelling with Emirati architecture, culture, and coastal landscapes.
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Target Audience: Aims to attract visitors from Middle East, Africa, India, Europe, and Asia—regions where Disney parks were previously less accessible.
2. Strategic Partnership & Tourism Push
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Developed with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading tourism developer (operator of Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi).
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Disney CEO Bob Iger:
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“This resort will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati—an oasis of entertainment at the crossroads of the world.”
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Cites Abu Dhabi’s existing appeal (Louvre, Guggenheim) and growing global tourism demand.
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3. Global Expansion & Accessibility
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7th Disney Resort Worldwide:
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Anaheim (1955) | Florida | Tokyo | Paris | Hong Kong | Shanghai | Abu Dhabi (2028?) (expected opening).
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Why Abu Dhabi?
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Closer to 2 billion+ people in MENA/Asia who face longer, costlier trips to existing parks.
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Part of UAE’s vision to diversify beyond oil into entertainment and luxury tourism.
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Economic & Geopolitical Context
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Timing: Announcement precedes US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE next week—highlighting deepening US-Gulf economic ties.
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UAE’s Tourism Boom: Already home to world-class attractions, Abu Dhabi aims to rival Dubai’s global appeal.
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Competition: Competes with NEOM (Saudi Arabia) and Qatar’s 2030 World Cup infrastructure.
What’s Next?
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Construction Timeline: Expected to open by 2028-2030 (exact date TBA).
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Rides & Experiences: Details remain under wraps, but likely to include:
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Marvel & Star Wars zones (like other parks).
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Culture-themed attractions (e.g., Aladdin, Sinbad, or Emirati folklore collaborations).
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Impact: Could generate thousands of jobs and further establish Yas Island as a mega-entertainment district.
Why This Matters
✅ Disney’s First Middle East Park – A milestone in global entertainment expansion.
✅ UAE’s Vision 2031 – Strengthens Abu Dhabi’s post-oil economy.
✅ Tourism Wars – Heats up competition with Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya & NEOM projects.
With Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the UAE cements its status as the Middle East’s premier leisure destination, while Disney taps into a massive untapped market. The project symbolizes globalization of entertainment and the Gulf’s rising soft power.
