The Walt Disney Company and Miral have announced plans to build a new Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi: Disneyland Abu Dhabi.

While Disneyland may have been our first Disney park, the Walt Disney Company has since expanded worldwide. Currently, we have Disneyland and Disney World in the United States, with Disneyland Paris in Europe. And in Asia, we have Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Resort. Now, the Walt Disney Company has announced plans for its newest venture: a new Disney theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi Overview

Disneyland Abu Dhabi is being developed through a partnership between The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences. The resort will be built along the waterfront on Yas Island, a premier leisure destination that already features major attractions such as Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island, hotels, beaches, and entertainment venues.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Miral will fully develop, build, and operate the resort, while Disney Imagineering will oversee creative design and provide operational guidance to ensure the experience reflects Disney’s storytelling standards. Rather than investing capital directly, Disney will benefit through royalties tied to the resort’s success.

The project is also separate from Disney’s massive global parks investment plan, which is currently focused on expanding experiences at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in the United States. Disney CEO Bob Iger has emphasized that development in Abu Dhabi will not slow or replace domestic park expansions already underway.

What Will Be at Disneyland Abu Dhabi?

While Disney has not yet released specific lands or attraction names, the company has confirmed that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be a full-scale theme park resort experience. Guests can expect a Disney theme park anchored by immersive storytelling, themed accommodations, and a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment offerings designed to function as a complete vacation destination.

Executives have described the park as authentically Disney while also reflecting the culture, innovation, and modern spirit of the United Arab Emirates. The resort is expected to blend contemporary architecture with cutting-edge ride technology, creating experiences that feel distinct from Disney’s other global parks.

A major centerpiece of the resort will be a brand-new Disney castle, unlike anything previously built. Bob Iger has shared that this will be the first truly modern Disney castle, designed to rise from both sand and water along Yas Island’s waterfront. Early concept art suggests a sleek, futuristic look that separates it from the traditional fairy-tale castles found at other Disney destinations.

When Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Open?

Currently, no opening year or details have been revealed. When it does open, the new theme park will offer Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, dining and retail experiences, and more.

“We’re not pinning down a date yet,” Iger told CNBC. “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.”

Disney has made it clear that the project is still in its early stages, with creative development actively underway.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi News & Construction Timeline

Disneyland Abu Dhabi is still in its earliest development phase, but announcements and creative milestones are expected to roll out gradually over the coming years. Here’s a living timeline of key updates as the project takes shape.

• May 2025 – Disneyland Abu Dhabi Officially Announced
  • The Walt Disney Company and Miral reveal plans for a brand-new Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, confirming it will become Disney’s seventh global theme park destination.
• May 2025 – Disney confirms Imagineering will lead creative design
  • Disney shares that while Miral will develop and operate the resort, Disney Imagineering will oversee creative design and operational standards, ensuring the park maintains Disney’s storytelling and immersive experience quality.
• May 2025 – First concept art of a modern Disney castle released
  • Initial artwork reveals a sleek, contemporary castle rising from both sand and water, marking the first truly modern Disney castle design in the company’s theme park history.
• January 2026 – Bob Iger Shares Photo from Future Site
  • Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger shared a photo on his Instagram from the future resort, captioning, “Walking the site of what will one day be Disneyland Abu Dhabi! Lots of work ahead, but all very exciting!”