Disney announced development of its newest resort; and it is in a location you would not expect!
- Lindsay Kruse
- May 13
- 3 min read
Standing on the side of a moving train around the Rivers of America at Disneyland, I was speaking with a guest, who was sitting in the front row of the train. He told me about some incredible attractions that were going to be unveiled at the new Disney park being built in Shanghai at that time, including the state-of-the-art Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure with its projections and ‘dive’ underwater. This guest was actually a Disney Imagineer, who had just returned from a two-year assignment in Shanghai. My mind instantly went to how incredible it would be to be a part of such a project, and I made a joke about whether they needed train conductors from the Disneyland Railroad to come and train their new cast members. He laughed at the joke, but I resolved then that a life goal of mine would be to visit every Disney park in the world. It looks like I’ll have to add another destination to my list, as today Disney announced a new theme park resort located in Abu Dhabi.
Disney unveiled plans to develop its seventh global theme park and resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, marking its first venture into the Middle East. The project is a collaboration with Miral, a local developer known for attractions like Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Disney will provide creative oversight through Walt Disney Imagineering, while Miral will handle the development and operation of the park. As Disney’s descriptive phrase for their Shanghai project was “Authentically Disney and Distinctly Chinese” they are using the same phrase for this new project, “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati” The resort aims to blend Disney's iconic storytelling with the rich cultural heritage and modern architecture of Abu Dhabi, offering immersive experiences in a waterfront setting.1
The announcement explains that the new park will be a significant addition to Yas Island's growing entertainment portfolio, which already includes Ferrari World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The new resort is expected to attract visitors from across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, capitalizing on Abu Dhabi's strategic location within a four-hour flight radius of approximately 500 million people, or a third of the world’s population. 2
“Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”-Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences
Although an official opening date has not been announced, the project is in its early development stages, with planning expected to take a year or two, and four to six years for construction.3 This places the opening to be sometime in the early 2030s. The expansion in Abu Dhabi aligns with Disney's broader strategy to enhance its global presence and diversify its offerings, following recent plans to “turbocharge” its parks and experiences segment. 4
The Abu Dhabi resort is anticipated to feature Disney-themed attractions, on-site hotels, regionally inspired dining and retail venues, and immersive experiences that integrate Disney storytelling with elements of Emirati culture and design. I am certainly going to visit this new Disney adventure someday! If you are considering a trip to the UAE and would like to experience the incredible tourist offerings currently available there, or would like to plan a trip to any of the current Disney experiences like Disneyland, Walt Disney Word, Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disney, Tokyo Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland, or an amazing Disney cruise, contact us at FairBreeze Custom Travel to begin your trip planning!
Comments