[V] Disney To Open First Theme Park In The Middle East

Walt Disney has announced the opening of its first theme park in the Middle East, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, which will be developed on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This mega project is a collaboration between Disney and the UAE’s leading entertainment company, Miral, which also manages SeaWorld and Warner Bros World theme parks at the same location.

Disney’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Iger, described the planning as a highly thrilling moment for the company.

“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be a theme park that is ‘authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati’,” he said.

Yas Island is currently being rapidly developed as a world-class tourism hub. It is located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. According to Disney, the UAE is within a four-hour flight radius of a third of the world’s population, making it a key gateway for global tourism.

This new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – combing Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. ✨ https://t.co/M1GHeYgr4H #YasIsland… pic.twitter.com/IyjODlj9ar

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025

“More than 120 million passengers pass through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year, making the Emirates the largest aviation hub in the world,” according to Disney’s official statement.

Since its first theme park opened in Anaheim, California in 1955, Disney has expanded to Tokyo (1983), Paris (1992), Hong Kong (2005), and Shanghai (2016). Now, Abu Dhabi is set to become the 7th location in this iconic lineup. – BOOM!