The Walt Disney Company announced that it will be making its seventh theme park and resort destination on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The announcement marked an agreement to create a new Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The new resort will be a waterfront resort and will be located on Yas Island. This is a world-class destination already for entertainment and leisure. This will connect travelers from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This new Disney destination promises to combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters, and attractions with the vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture that is found in Abu Dhabi. Disney CEO Bob Iger said, “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” This is a statement that is similar to what was said when building Shanghai Disney Resort.
Along with the announcement, some concept art was shared for the new park and resort. While it does not show any specifics, it does provide a feel that is beautiful and modern. Take a look at the concept art for the park here:
This feeling is reinforced by another piece of artwork that shows its centerpiece, traditionally a castle, with what appears to be Tinker Bell flying over the top. This is a classic look for Disney castles through the years that dates back to The Wonderful World of Disney. Tinker Bell also flew around and introduced Disneyland during The Disneyland Story, which introduced the park to the world.
“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”
The new theme park and resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and Walt Disney Imagineering will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight to ensure the full Disney experience that guests have come to know and love. MIral, which has developed several family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort. This is similar to how Tokyo Disney Resort is owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company in Japan.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
The UAE is within four hours by flight to a third of the world’s population and is a significant gateway for tourism. It is also the home of the largest global airline hub in the world. 120 million passengers travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”
“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.” The development of unique experiences will support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Once the new Disneyland Abu Dhabi is completed, it will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling. This will all be done in a way that celebrates the history and heritage of Disney, along with the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
The creation of this new park and resort for Disney will provide the possibility for guests to visit a Disney theme park in a region of the world that hasn’t been close to many fans before. It will also expand the company’s footprint for where they can expand their fan base for many generations to come. If Tokyo Disney Resort is any insight as to how this could work, there are plenty of reasons to be excited! Daps Magic will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as they become available!
What do you think about this announcement by Disney today? Are you excited about Disneyland Abu Dhabi? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
