A major new attraction is on the horizon for the UAE, as The Walt Disney Company and Miral have confirmed plans to launch a Disney theme park resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The project will mark Disney’s seventh global resort destination and its first-ever park in the Middle East.
Disney Theme Park Resort in UAE to Get a Unique Castle
The development will be fully built and operated by Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based company behind many of the capital’s major leisure and entertainment venues. Disney collaborates closely on design and concept through its Walt Disney Imagineering team. As it was revealed in September 2025, water will be a core element of a Disney castle.
Built in a city known for its waterways, the castle will rise in harmony with the sea, offering a design unlike anything seen in previous Disney parks. Rather than replicating existing castles, the team is creating a fresh, original vision that blends iconic Disney magic with natural elements, particularly water, and subtle nods to beloved characters like Moana, Elsa, and Anna.
This castle will also connect with the Disney Adventure ship, extending the experience beyond the land and into the water itself.
Abu Dhabi’s addition will be the only Disney resort in the Middle East, opening access to families and travelers across the region — from the GCC to South Asia and Africa.
Disney Theme Park Resort in UAE: Attractions & Rides
While specific timelines are yet to be confirmed, Disney and Miral have outlined a vision that blends Disney’s storytelling and iconic characters with Abu Dhabi’s modern architecture and coastal landscape. The resort will feature:
- Signature Disney attractions and entertainment
- Themed hotel accommodations
- Distinctive dining and shopping options
Speaking on the announcement, Disney emphasized that this will be their “most technologically advanced and interactive destination” to date, with experiences designed to appeal to the next generation of theme park guests.
Disney Theme Park Resort in UAE: Opening Date
It’s rare to witness Disney opening a brand-new park from scratch, especially one with such a daring vision. Fans will have to wait a few more years before the magic lands in the capital. According to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, large-scale projects like this typically require one to two years for design and another four to six years for construction.
If all goes according to plan, Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi could be ready to welcome visitors by 2032 or 2033. Further details, including a construction timeline and opening date, are expected in the near future.
Stay tuned! More sneak peeks and photos will be revealed in the coming months, and trust us, you won’t want to miss them.
