Disney is making waves in the entertainment world with its groundbreaking announcement: the House of Mouse is finally coming to the Middle East! In a move that has Disney fans across the region buzzing with excitement, the company has revealed plans to build its first-ever Middle Eastern theme park on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.
Watch the introductory video here:
A Whole New World for Disney
Forget everything you know about Disney castles! The Abu Dhabi resort will feature a stunning crystal-like structure instead of the traditional fairytale castle design we’ve seen at other Disney parks. This architectural marvel promises to be the centerpiece of what Disney CEO Bob Iger calls an “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati” experience that blends cutting-edge technology with immersive entertainment.
As Disney’s seventh global destination-joining the family of parks in California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai-this marks the company’s first new park opening since Shanghai Disneyland debuted in 2016. While we’ll have to wait until sometime in the 2030s for the grand opening, the anticipation is already building!
Location, Location, Location
The strategic choice of Yas Island is nothing short of brilliant. Already home to the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld, this entertainment hotspot sees millions of visitors annually. Plus, with approximately 120 million airline passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year, Disney is positioning itself at the crossroads of global travel-within a four-hour flight of roughly one-third of the world’s population!
The Power Couple Behind the Magic
This magical new destination comes to life through a partnership between Disney and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s premier creator of immersive experiences. The deal was so significant that Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed himself was present for the signing ceremony! While Miral handles development and operations, Disney’s legendary Imagineers will work their creative magic to ensure every detail meets the company’s world-famous standards.
The collaboration aims to create not just another theme park, but a landmark destination that will become “a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come,” as Iger eloquently put it.
So start saving those vacation days! Disney’s Middle Eastern adventure may be years away, but when it arrives, it promises to be the company’s most technologically advanced and culturally distinctive park yet. The magic of Disney is about to get a dazzling Arabian twist!
