Disneyland Abu Dhabi: When It Will Open and What to Expect

The magic of Disney is coming to Abu Dhabi, as The Walt Disney Company and Miral have announced plans for the Middle East’s first-ever Disneyland resort. The landmark project marks a major milestone in the UAE’s growing global tourism appeal and will bring Disney’s signature storytelling and attractions to the region for the very first time.

Set to be located on Yas Island, the new resort will join the ranks of Disney’s six existing global destinations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Once complete, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will become the seventh Disney resort in the world, strategically positioned to attract visitors from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe. Officials expect the project to draw millions of regional and international tourists each year, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class entertainment hub.

While an official opening date has not yet been confirmed, industry experts estimate that a project of this scale will take several years to complete. Early projections suggest that the park could open between 2030 and 2033, following a comprehensive design and construction phase.

The resort will feature a blend of classic Disney experiences and local cultural influences, described by Disney executives as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.” Plans include themed attractions, entertainment zones, immersive experiences, and waterfront features that will make Disneyland Abu Dhabi the first Disney park designed with a coastal landscape in mind. Given the UAE’s hot climate, the park is also expected to include advanced indoor and climate-controlled elements to ensure year-round comfort for visitors.

The collaboration between Miral and Disney reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global tourism powerhouse. Yas Island already hosts major entertainment destinations such as Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld, and Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to elevate the island’s status as one of the world’s leading family leisure destinations.

Beyond its entertainment appeal, the project is seen as a major economic driver that will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and support the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable, innovation-driven growth in tourism and hospitality. For Disney, the move expands its global footprint into a new and rapidly growing market, bringing its beloved characters and experiences closer to audiences across the Middle East and South Asia.

When complete, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to blend the enchantment of Disney’s timeless storytelling with the UAE’s spirit of innovation and hospitality delivering a destination that promises to be both globally iconic and regionally unique.