Big news from the magic kingdom — The Walt Disney Company is building its next theme park in the heart of the Middle East. That’s right, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is officially on the way, and fans around the world are already buzzing with excitement.

Set to rise on Yas Island, the waterfront mega-resort will be developed in partnership with Miral, the UAE-based company behind entertainment hotspots like Warner Brothers World and Ferrari World. According to Disney, this new park will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”

Why Is Disney Coming to Abu Dhabi?

The decision to bring Disneyland to the UAE wasn’t random. As Disney CEO Robert Iger explained, Abu Dhabi sits at a global crossroads, attracting travelers from Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. It’s a cultural melting pot, and Disney wants to be right in the middle of it.

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“This will be an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world,” Iger said.

He also highlighted how distance and cost have kept millions of families from visiting other Disney parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. This new location will give many fans their first-ever Disney experience — and that’s a big deal.

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What Makes Disneyland Abu Dhabi Different?

According to Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro, this will be the company’s most tech-forward and modern destination yet.

It’s also a new kind of business setup. Miral will fund, build, and operate the park, with Disney overseeing development and brand integrity. That’s a big shift from how most Disney parks have been run in the past.

But D’Amaro said Disney has full confidence in Miral’s track record and the strength of the region’s tourism scene.

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“We’re very confident in this part of the world, with this partner,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

What Will the Park Look Like?

While Disney hasn’t shared full design renderings yet, they did say Abu Dhabi’s architecture, culture, and coastline will play a major role in the park’s design.

Expect to see:

• Disney’s classic stories and characters brought to life
• Attractions that blend Emirati heritage with Disney magic
• High-end hospitality and modern resort features
• Cutting-edge technology enhancing the guest experience

Think Mickey meets the Middle East — in the best way possible.

Could This Be Disney’s Smartest Expansion Yet?

With Abu Dhabi investing heavily in arts, culture, and luxury tourism, the timing couldn’t be better. The city already draws attention for the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim museum, designed by Frank Gehry.

Add Disney to that mix, and Yas Island becomes an entertainment powerhouse.

Iger said the new park is part of a strategy to reach more global audiences, especially those who may never have had a chance to visit other Disney resorts.

And investors are already liking the move.

The announcement came the same day Disney reported a strong earnings report:

• Revenue jumped to $23.6 billion
• Disney+ added 1.4 million new subscribers
• The “Experiences” division, including theme parks, grew to $8.9 billion

It’s clear the company is betting big on experiences — and that includes bringing Disneyland magic to new regions.

When Could the Park Open?

There’s no official opening date yet, but Disney and Miral have confirmed that plans are moving forward and development is already underway. If everything stays on track, fans could start booking their trips to Disneyland Abu Dhabi in the next few years.

Until then, stay tuned — because you can bet Disney will reveal more details soon.

A Whole New World for Disney Fans

Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn’t just another theme park. It’s a bold step into a new region, new culture, and new audience.

It’s also a chance for Disney to rewrite what a modern theme park looks like — blending world-class storytelling with rich local traditions and cutting-edge design.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, the future of Disney magic just got a little more exciting.