Disneyland is coming to Abu Dhabi!

Everything you need to know about the world’s most technologically advanced Disneyland. 

Australians making the journey to the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA have to make a pitstop somewhere, and many routes connect in Abu Dhabi – but the capital city of the United Arab Emirates is so much more than a stopover. In recent years, Abu Dhabi has developed into a tourist destination comprised of theme parks, resorts, museums and beautiful beaches that are fantastic for family getaways – and breaking up the dreaded 24-hour-plus journey between Australia and northern hemisphere hotspots.

Does Abu Dhabi have Disneyland?

Abu Dhabi is currently home to thrilling kid-friendly attractions such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, the National Aquarium, Observation Deck at 300, Louvre, Yas Island, and most recently, SeaWorld. Given that Abu Dhabi is also just a short drive from Dubai (around a 1.5 hours), Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to plan your first Middle Eastern adventure. And while there isn’t currently a Disneyland in Abu Dhabi, there will be soon! The Walt Disney Company has revealed plans to build its seventh theme park here. It will be the first Disney park or resort to go into development since the Shanghai Disneyland news of 2010.

Read now: Inside Abu Dhabi’s spectacular new SeaWorld

Is Disney building in Abu Dhabi?

On 7 May 2025, The Walt Disney Company announced a partnership with Abu Dhabi’s leading immersive experience creator, Miral, to build a landmark Disney theme park resort on Yas Island – Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment and leisure destination. While Disney’s legendary ‘Imagineers’ will lead the creative design and operation oversight, the park will be developed and built by Miral. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will deliver the brand’s signature entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and deliver storytelling that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.

“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company in a press release.

When will Disneyland Abu Dhabi open?

However, there’s no need to rush. With around two years required to finalise the park design, and up to six years to build it, Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn’t expected to open until 2030 or later. This park will be Disney’s most technologically advanced yet, with Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Experiences, describing it as “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio”. And, unlike all other Disney parks and resorts that are centred around a traditional fairytale castle, the Abu Dhabi edition will showcase an awe-inspiring contemporary castle alongside cutting-edge technology and striking architecture.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the first in the Middle East and located on the waterfront of Yas Island, so you can turn your family holiday into an epic theme park adventure with Ferrari World, SeaWorld. Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World, too. Yas Island is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre and a 50-minute drive from Dubai. The website for Disneyland Abu Dhabi is now live, so you can keep your peepers peeled for the latest news and updates.

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