The Walt Disney Company confirmed it will build a seventh landmark theme park in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This announcement comes as The Walt Disney Company announced a partnership with Miral, “Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences.”
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Disney Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight, and the new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Miral has developed other attractions in Abu Dhabi, such as SeaWorld Yas Island, Warner Bros. World Yas Island, and more.
This new Disney resort will be located on Yas Island, a spot known for entertainment and tourism. It is expected to connect travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and more. According to Disney, the theme park “will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.”
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Disney CEO Bob Iger commented on the news, stating, “This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” adding, “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.”
Iger referred to the park as Disneyland Abu Dhabi, and Disney confirmed the new theme park resort will offer:
- Signature Disney entertainment
- Themed accommodations
- Unique dining and retail experiences
- Storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi
Disney teased that further details will be announced as the project progresses, and we will continue to share updates.
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Disney points out that the UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, “making it a significant gateway for tourism.” According to Travel and Tour World, India is one of the largest sources of tourism for UAE.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, said, “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.”
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“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.” The development of unique experiences will support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Response to the announcement has been mixed, however. While some Disney fans — especially those in the catchment area for the new park — are excited, others are concerned about Disney partnering with a government that seems go against what Disney has stated as a goal: inclusivity.
According to Wikipedia, “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the United Arab Emirates face discrimination and legal challenges. Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and under the federal criminal provisions, consensual same-sex sexual activity is punishable by imprisonment; extra-marital sexual activity between persons of different sexes is also illegal. In both cases, prosecution will only be brought if a husband or male guardian of one of the participants makes a criminal complaint.”
With Disney having just been through a battle with the Florida government regarding the Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the Don’t Say Gay bill, and adding a very clear focus on ensuring a comfortable and accommodating work environment with its Inclusivity Key, the choice of Abu Dhabi as its next destination is controversial.
©Disney
Miral is responsible for the development of Yas Island and has already created SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina, and Yas Bay Waterfront, home to the UAE’s largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, amongst others. There are other projects in the works, including the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and a Harry Potter-themed land within Warner Bros.
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Yet another reason why they will neglect us parks and attractions that need update and will slow down the already slow construction that Disney is known for.
They’re putting a park in Abu Dhabi?!?!?🤬🤬🤬🤬 With everything falling apart in Florida they owe it to Americans to keep our parts in excellent condition. I despise Iger with every essence of my being.
Dang!! I thought it was going to be a new US park. Still cool, though!
I heard this earlier today. I did not see this coming!
Bad idea. Period.
Might as well be in planet Mars, for all that matter.
Why is this a bad idea? Disney does not have to put up the capital (money). Another company will build it and Disney will have rights overlooking what goes on. I live in New York City and I am always amazed at how many people I meet that have travelled to Abu Dhabi for vacation or conferences. So, it’s not as far as Mars. Just make sure Disney does not make a bad deal. I’m sure that, with their lawyers, they won’t.
This makes me angry. I was raised on Disneyland, I raised my kids as Disney World“disney kids” now that they are grown they cannot afford to take their own children for more than a long weekend every couple years and a family tradition and legacy has died. When they save which takes a while they go to a resort that has changed so much. Many things my kids experienced have since stopped simply because of cost cuts or neglect. More overpriced hotels keep going up , every portion of a trip from food to lodging to park admission gets more and more expensive every year. I understand Disney is a business but dear lord Disney needs to take care of their own before opening all these international parks promising the new high tech amazing technology. I just want the original effects operational again here in the US. It’s like it costs too much now so they just don’t bother anymore. Everything seems movie based and geared towards promoting Disney movies and merchandise. Disney has become beyond greedy and it’s obvious their target audience is not the wealthy not the average family. Their plan to cater only to the wealthy is so obvious, they’re pushing us away. end of an era. Very sad
Goes against everything Disney originally stood for.
Sadly not now.
Totally agree with Bill!
So Disney has $$$$$$ to build a new theme park in another country. WOW, I can’t afford to go to other countries to Disney parks. Instead of going to Disney World EVERY YEAR. We scrap to go every other year……..2026 will be the LAST YEAR we go. We will now spend our Vaca time at Epic and Universal No we can plan our trips EVERY YEAR…..This really Pisses me off.
WAY TO GO DISNEY!!!!!!
I think I’m gonna be sick
Excellent expansion decision considering the U.S. coasts, Europe and Southeast Asia are covered. Even smarter that it doesn’t involve Disney’s capital.
Hopefully this puts to rest the constant chatter about an unnecessary fifth gate in WDW. I’d much prefer to see existing areas improved or redeveloped than add another park.
Outstanding financial quarter topped off with a wise expansion announcement.
Universal has surpassed the quality and value of U.S Disney parks with Epic Universe. That’s where my money is going to. Goodbye Disney!
We have made reservations for Universal and Disney for 2026. We have decided to say Good Bye to Disney in 2026. This will be our last visit. Honestly, we can’t keep fooling ourselves, prices are too high, no magic, quality of merchandise in the toilet, rides constantly breaking down. lines out of control, well I could go on and on. Not the Disney we first went to in 1986.
I am glad the article mentioned Disney’s LGBTQ advocacy. Good luck with that in the Middle East.
I agree with Bill about keeping existing parks in tip top shape first.
Do you know the major difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi? The people in Dubai don’t like the Flintstones, but the people in Abu Dhabi do!
There’s an old expression, “Dance with the one who brung ya!”, meaning be loyal to the ones who got you where you are. OBVIOUSLY, either Disney hasn’t heard of it or could care less!! One more nail in the coffin!!
I wish everyone on here who whines, complains and threatens to stop visiting Disney parks would just do it and quit talking about it. Why follow blogs if you hate the company so much?
The ignorance is amazing on this one. Disney isn’t paying to build the park in Abu Dhabi! This is a win for every way for Disney in which they aren’t putting out the capital, but benefiting long-term. It means a revenue stream for the company allowing for continued investment in existing parks. And there’s more to the world than the United States. Stop living in a bubble.
How many projects must Disney commit to in the U.S. parks to satisfy everyone? They are building a new land in Animal Kingdom, two lands in Magic Kingdom, Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear are being completely redone not to mention the massive future expansion of Disneyland. Come on folks.
If this is a response to Universal Epic Universe, it’s quite laughable. A country where women do not have equal rights. A country known for human trafficking. A country where the state religion is extremely oppressive and upholds Sharia Law. A country where it’s illegal to be LGBT. The list goes on for why this is a disturbing move. Although it will only be affordable by 1% of Americans, it shows that Disney only cares about the dollar and not the safety of the super fan guests wanting to visit. Definitely will mark this off never being a potential. I am sure there won’t be any boycotts that will make a difference, but I think Disney should know that this is quite disturbing for many current and former cast members, as well as those who follow Disney and believe in the brand. Definitely hurts the brand more than it helps. Also, I hope Iger and D’Amaro know this is a major stain on their legacies.
I agree with Larry 💯!!!!
@Larry entirely agreeing with you, but where could Disney build a seventh resort that 1) has a shred of dignity, and 2) won’t overlap with an existing parks circle of influence?
Australia has been practically begging for a park for nearly two decades, but they’re not likely to draw anyone from SE Asia outside of Aussies and Kiwis when Hong Kong is so much closer
Same goes for another European park. Where can you build where you won’t be in competition with Paris, but also won’t be danger of Russian imperialism?
Lucretia, Disney doesn’t make a bad deal??? Oh, you mean like the disastrous Star Wars hotel??? Rrriiigggghhhtt!!
@Carolyn thats because everyone since Eisner has just been a joyless bean counter
There was a joke in an old episode of 30 Rock where we briefly see the world through Jack’s eyes, and everything in his office has a big dollar amount displayed (except Kenneth, valued at $5).
That’s how these people think. No dreamers, everything is just numbers on a spreadsheet to them
Can’t be bothered to upgrade Tomorrowland in Disneyland but ok with building whole new park? 😡
You think Florida is hot? 🤣
@Maressa and all the other penny pinching