The Walt Disney Company will build its first Middle East theme park resort on Yas North in Abu Dhabi, Chief Executive Bob Iger confirmed in January, marking a major expansion for the entertainment giant and a significant addition to the UAE’s tourism portfolio.
Iger shared an image from the waterfront site on Yas Island on Jan. 25, writing that he was “walking the site of what will one day be Disneyland Abu Dhabi,” signaling that planning is actively underway. The project will become Disney’s seventh global resort destination and its first in the region.
The development will sit on Yas North, a largely undeveloped stretch of land adjacent to the island’s existing attractions, which include Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The location places Disney at the center of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to turn Yas Island into a global leisure hub.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said the Abu Dhabi park would “push the boundaries of theme park design,” pointing to new technology and a distinct architectural identity. Company officials indicated the resort will blend indoor and outdoor elements, a design choice that reflects the Gulf’s climate. Concept renderings show a waterfront setting and a modern interpretation of Disney’s signature castle.
Executives also said the park will incorporate elements inspired by Emirati culture rather than replicate existing Disney resorts. While detailed plans for rides and attractions have not been released, the company described the project as tailored to regional audiences as well as international visitors.
Although Disney has not announced a firm opening date, industry observers estimate construction and development could extend into the early 2030s, given the scale of similar global projects.
The economic implications could be substantial. Large-scale theme parks typically generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, spanning construction, hospitality and retail. Analysts expect the resort to increase hotel demand and potentially lift real estate values on Yas Island and surrounding districts.
For Abu Dhabi, the agreement underscores a long-term push to diversify its economy beyond oil by investing in culture, entertainment and tourism. For Disney, the move extends its brand into a fast-growing travel market that connects Europe, Asia and Africa.
With early-stage design work underway, the project’s success will hinge on execution, regional demand and how effectively Disney adapts its global formula to a new cultural landscape.
