Wow, I didn’t see this coming. I think my head is going to explode. Earlier today, Disney Parks Blog announced that Disney is building a new theme park in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. See the full announcement here. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the company’s 7th worldwide location.
The Walt Disney Company is partnering with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s “leading creator of immersive destinations and experience”. The park will be located on Yas Island, which already has 4 theme parks:
While Disney has not shared many specifics about the park, the announcement says, “This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger states, “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
According to the press release, Abu Dhabi is within a 4-hour flight of 1/3 of the world’s population. 120 million air passengers fly through the UAE every year.
Guess who will be going to Abu Dhabi? ME!
In a few weeks, I am visiting Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland on my upcoming trip. Those were the last two Disney parks in the world I had not visited. But, it looks like I’ll be adding a trip to the UAE sometime in the future.
Currently, no opening timeline has been announced, although the opening is speculated for the early 2030s. So, I have time to build up my miles and points stash to fly there.
Are you intrigued by this Disney announcement?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
This is a strange one. Disney will not invest a single dollar into this Project. The developer will look after all the finances and they also own the other three theme parks on the island. How many theme parks do you need on the same island?
About “Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions”: does that include any rainbow-themed stuff? Any princesses with facial hair? Any bathrooms open to “all”?
Just asking, because I saw zero signs of anything like that last time I went to Abu Dhabi.
@Ismail Besides rainbow-themed merchandise for Pride month, I’ve never seen those other things in any Disney park.