Disneyland Abu Dhabi Set to Open on Yas Island

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Cinderella’s castle in the middle of the desert or wondered what Disney magic would look like with a coastal backdrop, here’s some exciting news: Disneyland is officially heading to Abu Dhabi.

That’s right. Disney is opening its very first theme park in the Middle East, making Abu Dhabi the newest member of the Disney family. This upcoming resort joins the ranks of legendary parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai – and it’s already shaping up to be something totally unique.

Also read: Legoland Shanghai Opening in 2025: What to Expect

The first Disneyland in the Middle East will rise on Yas Island

Image credit: Simply Abu Dhabi | FB page

The new Disneyland will be built on Yas Island – already a hotspot for thrill-seekers and tourists. If you’ve heard of Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld, or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, they’re all part of this buzzing entertainment zone. Adding Disneyland into the mix is a game-changer.

Yas Island’s location makes it a perfect destination for both locals and international visitors, and with the Disney brand in the picture, expect even more visitors flying in just to experience this new wonderland.

Disney and Miral are teaming up to build a next-level theme park

Image credit: Simply Abu Dhabi | FB page

This massive project is a collaboration between Disney and Abu Dhabi-based development company Miral. Miral will take care of the construction side, while Disney’s iconic Imagineers will lead the creative design and experience planning.

What’s especially exciting is that Disney isn’t just copying and pasting its old concepts here. According to CEO Bob Iger, this park will combine cutting-edge tech with immersive storytelling, while Josh D’Amaro (Chairman of Disney Experiences) described it as one of Disney’s most advanced and interactive destinations yet. The park will reportedly be built with a waterfront setting in mind – a first for Disneyland parks.

And here’s the cool part: the design will be influenced by the rich culture and architecture of Abu Dhabi. That means we could be seeing Disney rides and attractions with a unique Middle Eastern flair, plus restaurants, shops, and hotels that mix Disney charm with local style.

Also read: Jurassic World Bangkok: Southeast Asia’s First Dino Park Opens in 2025!

Opening date not confirmed yet, but it’s already a must-watch

So, when’s the grand opening? No exact date has been announced, but here’s a rough idea: theme parks of this scale usually take around 18 months to two years for planning and design, followed by around five years of construction. So don’t expect it to open overnight – but once it’s done, it’s going to be a destination worth waiting for.

For travellers from the Philippines, Abu Dhabi is becoming more and more accessible, especially with budget airlines and flight promos. So if you’re planning long-term travel goals or just want something to look forward to, Disneyland Abu Dhabi deserves a spot on your bucket list.

From futuristic rides to magical parades by the sea, this new park is ready to bring Disney dreams to the Middle East – and you might just be one of the first to see it.