What To Know
- The images shared by the Disney CEO show the Yas Island sign in the background, alongside expansive blue waters, strongly suggesting that the park will be developed in the northern section of Yas Island.
- Based on these projections, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to open between 2030 and 2033, making it one of the most anticipated entertainment projects of the next decade in the UAE.
- Disneyland Abu Dhabi is set to feature a signature Disney castle and will make history by becoming the first Disneyland park to integrate water directly into its core design.
The long-awaited Disneyland Abu Dhabi has taken a major step forward, with its location on Yas Island revealed for the first time by Disney CEO Bob Iger.
During a site visit on January 26, Iger shared images from Yas Island on social media, confirming where the Middle East’s first Disney theme park will rise.
“Walking the site of what will one day be Disneyland Abu Dhabi,” Iger wrote, adding, “Lots of work ahead, but all very exciting.”
Clues Point to Yas Island’s Northern Section
The images shared by the Disney CEO show the Yas Island sign in the background, alongside expansive blue waters, strongly suggesting that the park will be developed in the northern section of Yas Island.
While developer Miral has not officially confirmed the exact plot, Yas North remains the only area large enough to accommodate a project of this scale, making it the most likely location.
Expansion Plans Hint at Major Development
In previous interviews, Miral’s Chief Executive Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi indicated that further expansion of Yas Island could be considered to support the project.
This suggests that new infrastructure, land extensions, or transport upgrades may be required to support Disneyland Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the scale and long-term vision behind the development.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi: A Global Milestone for Disney
First announced in May 2025, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will become the seventh Disneyland theme park in the world, marking Disney’s first major theme park in the Middle East.
The park will join Yas Island’s world-class entertainment lineup, which already includes:
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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
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Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
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Yas Waterworld
This addition further positions Yas Island as one of the world’s leading entertainment destinations.
What Makes Disneyland Abu Dhabi Unique
Disneyland Abu Dhabi is set to feature a signature Disney castle and will make history by becoming the first Disneyland park to integrate water directly into its core design.
This water-based element, confirmed in September 2025, is expected to influence both the park’s layout and guest experience, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s coastal setting.
Disney has described the project as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” blending classic Disney storytelling with local culture and architectural inspiration.
Who Is Building Disneyland Abu Dhabi?
The project will be developed and constructed by Miral, while Disney will oversee creative direction and operational support, ensuring the park meets global Disney standards.
This partnership mirrors Disney’s successful international model, where local developers handle construction while Disney maintains creative and operational oversight.
Expected Opening Timeline for Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Although no official opening date has been announced, Disney executives have outlined a clear development timeline.
The design phase is expected to take one to two years, followed by four to six years of construction.
Based on these projections, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to open between 2030 and 2033, making it one of the most anticipated entertainment projects of the next decade in the UAE.
