What to Expect from New Disneyland in Abu Dhabi
Did you hear the news? The Middle East is getting its very own Disneyland!
Disney just confirmed plans to open their 7th global theme park resort—and it’s heading to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. As a family who loves all things Disney and travel, I was immediately intrigued. This isn’t just another international park opening. This is a huge deal, both for Disney fans and for tourism in the region.
Here’s what we know so far, what’s still unfolding, and what it might mean for your future family vacations.
Disney’s Big Move to the Middle East
Let’s start with the basics: Disney isn’t funding the park.
This $10 billion project is entirely financed by Miral, the same company behind other big-name Yas Island attractions like Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Disney’s role is the creative control and the Disney company will receive royalties in exchange for Miral running a Disneyland theme park. Disney Imagineers will be behind the storytelling, theming, and overall park experience all without the Disney company spending their own dollars.
It’s a strategic move that lets Disney expand their global presence while letting Miral handle the heavy lifting. For business, this is a no brainer. We’ll get into the controversy in a bit.
Why Abu Dhabi? The UAE has been working for years to become a global hub for tourism and entertainment. Yas Island is already packed with family-friendly attractions, so it makes sense to build on that momentum.
What Will the Park Be Like?
Disney hasn’t released detailed plans about the lands or rides yet, but they’ve said this will be one of their most technologically advanced parks ever.
Think immersive environments, smart ride systems, and storytelling innovations that take Disney magic to the next level. That’s always what Walt Disney focused on taking innovation and imagination to the next level. Keep moving forward.
There’s also talk of regionally inspired experiences—maybe an Aladdin-themed land, or new characters that reflect Middle Eastern stories and culture. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but fans are definitely speculating.
One thing I’m curious about: the weather. Abu Dhabi gets hot, so the park will probably feature covered queues, indoor rides, and climate-controlled areas to keep guests comfortable. Some people are guessing that there would be indoor and outdoor parts of the theme park, but nothing has been confirmed.
And yes—it will be connected to the rest of Yas Island. That means you could combine your Disney visit with Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, SeaWorld, and more in one trip.
Construction Timeline: When Can You Go?
Right now, the project is in its development phase, which is expected to take 18 to 24 months. After that, construction will begin and take about five years.
If all goes as planned, we’re looking at an opening around 2032.
It’s going to be a massive project, creating thousands of jobs and building out supporting infrastructure, all while keeping Disney’s standards high.
What About Cultural Concerns?
This is where things get complicated. In the UAE, same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and that’s sparked a lot of concern, especially from LGBTQ+ supporters and Disney fans who care deeply about the company’s commitment to inclusion.
It raises a fair question: how can Disney stay true to those values while opening a park in a country where LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression are limited compared to what we’re used to in the U.S.?
It’s not the first time Disney has had to navigate cultural differences. Shanghai and Hong Kong had their own challenges, but this feels heavier. There’s a line between respecting local customs and quietly setting aside basic human rights. And figuring out where that line is… isn’t always easy to navigate.
One big concern is the uncertainty. Laws can be vague, and enforcement can vary, which creates risk even if the reality on the ground feels more accepting.
It’s also important to recognize that in a country where religion and government are deeply connected, change often looks different. What feels slow or frustrating from the outside may be a much more nuanced process within the culture. That doesn’t mean we stop caring—it just means real progress might require more listening, more conversation, and less assuming we know best from our own place of privilege.
Some fans are saying that whether or not they plan on going to the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi is besides the point. They feel Disney shouldn’t be allowing use of their brand in a country that does not align with their own stance on inclusion.
From the UAE’s perspective, this project is a major step forward—economically, culturally, and symbolically. Miral, the developer behind the park, has talked about building inclusive workplaces and supporting women in leadership roles. So there’s progress happening, even if it’s not on a straight line.
At the end of the day, this is a strategic partnership that gives access to Disney magic for families in the region, strengthens Disney’s global reach, and may hold the potential for deeper influence over time. In a perfect world, even if that influence doesn’t start with visible social change, I hope this partnership lays the groundwork for more conversations, more openness, and more long-term change.
It’s a layered issue with no easy answers. I’ll be watching closely to see how Disney handles it all—and I think a lot of people will be, too.
What It Means for Tourism—and Your Travel Planning
This park is expected to draw millions of visitors annually and boost Abu Dhabi’s status as a major destination. If you’ve never considered traveling to the UAE with your family, this might change your mind. I know I would be excited to experience the amazing Disney magic that this project claims it will give us.
Yas Island is super accessible, with direct flights from many destinations, including Europe and Asia. As we get closer to opening, I’m sure we’ll see travel packages that bundle hotel stays, park access, and other attractions into one family-friendly deal.
No word yet on ticket pricing, but early guesses suggest it’ll be competitive with other Disney parks—and maybe even more affordable than U.S. options once you factor in currency and travel costs.
Final Thoughts on Abu Dhabi Disneyland
Whether you’re a Disney diehard or just curious about global travel trends, this new park is one to watch. It’s not just about rides and characters, it’s about how entertainment, culture, and business collide in one of the fastest-growing parts of the world.
Personally, I’m excited. I have questions, of course. But I also think about how incredible it could be for families in the Middle East to have a Disney park close to home. And for the rest of us? It’s one more magical destination to dream about.
As always, I’ll be watching updates closely—and you know I’ll keep you posted every step of the way!
