The Walt Disney Company has made a new announcement that has shocked fans. They revealed the next location for the next big park, and it’s definitely not where most Disney fans expected. Mickey Mouse’s next stop is Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
They shared that the brand-new Disneyland is coming to the Middle East. It will be the first of its kind in the region and the seventh Disney resort in the world. This new park, named Disneyland Abu Dhabi, will sit along the waterfront of one of the UAE’s biggest entertainment hotspots.
Disney is heading to the Middle East
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Yas Island is already home to major attractions, and Disney is joining the list with a full resort: themed hotels, one-of-a-kind rides, and immersive dining and shopping. While there’s no opening date yet, Disney says the development will take five to seven years from concept to opening.
The project is a partnership between Disney and Miral, the company behind many of Abu Dhabi’s top tourist spots. Disney’s team will handle the creative side, ensuring the park blends Disney’s classic storytelling with local culture. “This is a thrilling moment for our company,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be both authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
What to expect at Disneyland Abu Dhabi
According to officials, the new park will mix Disney’s rich history with the latest technology and modern design. Visitors can expect all-new attractions that reflect both the magic of Disney and the beauty of Abu Dhabi’s architecture. This move will not only bring Disney closer to fans in the Middle East but also tap into the region’s growing tourism.
Abu Dhabi’s location is ideal, with millions of travelers passing through every year and one-third of the world’s population within a four-hour flight. Leaders at Miral say the project will create unforgettable memories for families, while Disney sees it as a chance to tell their stories in brand-new ways. The original Disneyland opened in California in 1955. Now, 70 years later, Disney is making history again, this time in a whole new part of the world.