Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI )
A Disney theme park will be built on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, setting the stage for one of the most significant entertainment developments in the region's history, it was announced on Wednesday.
The landmark announcement was made by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Taking the stage to thunderous applause, Iger described the announcement as a “thrilling moment” in Disney’s 102-year journey.
“It will blend wonderful Disney stories and characters with the cultures and tastes of this country and this region, and will serve as an oasis for extraordinary entertainment and experiences for millions and millions of people,” he said.
“What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is truly a first of its kind — authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
This will be Disney’s most interactive and advanced park yet, Iger said, praising Abu Dhabi’s commitment to progress, innovation, and cultural respect.
A video mock-up appeared to show a vast park that would extend along the Yas Island coastline, adding to the area’s growing list of attractions, which include Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World.
“This is my third visit here in just nine months,” he said. “Each time I come, my admiration for the UAE, the government of Abu Dhabi, and our partners at Miral grows deeper.”
Iger said Disney’s famed Imagineering team is already at work, designing a park that will combine contemporary architecture, cutting-edge technology, and authentic Emirati culture.
The project will offer visitors immersive experiences powered by the latest storytelling tools, while also serving as a major tourism and economic driver for the UAE.
The mega attraction is expected to attract millions of visitors annually, drawing families from across the Middle East and beyond. Construction timelines, opening dates and details of the park are yet to be announced.
“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be a celebration of what's possible when creativity, collaboration, and cultural understanding come together. It will be a place of joy and wonder — not just for today, but for generations to come,” Iger said.
