"Calling all Disney fans—a brand new theme park and resort is coming! On Wednesday, May 7, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to open a seventh Disney destination in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The new theme park and resort will be known as Disneyland Abu Dhabi and located on the waterfront of Yas Island, an official press release revealed.
“[Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be] a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond,” the press release stated. “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.” Read on for everything we know so far about Disney’s newest park!
What’s Coming to Disneyland Abu Dhabi?
“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati. An oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world. It will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways, becoming a source of joy and inspiration to for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a promotional YouTube video announcing the new park.
Once completed, the new theme park and resort promises to offer “signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi,” the press release continued. The new park will also feature “cutting edge technology.”
When Is Disneyland Abu Dhabi Opening?
Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be fully developed and built by Miral, a Middle Eastern company specializing in the creation of leisure and entertainment destinations. At this time, an opening date for Disneyland Abu Dhabi has not been confirmed. However, Disney CEO Bob Iger gave some insight into the lengthy timeline of building a new Disney park. “It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build, but we’re not making any commitments right now,” he told CNBC’s David Faber in an interview.
Other Disney Park Locations
The Walt Disney company currently operates six other theme park resorts around the world in North America, Europe, and Asia. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California was the first to open in 1955. Orlando, Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort followed in 1971. Next came the Tokyo Disney Resort in 1983 and Disneyland Paris in 1992. The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened in 2005 and the Shanghai Disney Resort opened in 2016. With Disneyland Abu Dhabi located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, this new destination is poised to be a hot new vacation spot for many families. We can’t wait until it opens!
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.