Disney Announces New Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

The Mouse House is partnering with Miral on an all-new waterfront park and resort on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates capital. The companies say the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi will combine “iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.”

Miral will develop and build the park. Disney’s Imagineers will head up creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. When it’s complete, Miral will then operate the resort, a partnership reminiscent of the one Disney has with The Oriental Land Company for Tokyo Disneyland.

“As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement about the upcoming theme park in Abu Dhabi.

The concept art for the project fits with the vision that the two companies are aiming for. The Disney park’s signature glass building looks like it would fit in perfectly on its own in Abu Dhabi’s skyline.

“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.” 

A waterfront location? All new technology? Imagineers with the freedom to create a whole new park from scratch? And a whole lot of money behind it? Forget being the happiest place on Earth. Disney’s Abu Dhabi location has a chance to be the best park yet.