Disney Announces New Theme Park in Abu Dhabi, Its First Global Resort in 15 Years

A major expansion in the Middle East with a high-tech waterfront park on Yas Island

Disney enters Middle East with seventh global resort destination

For the first time in over a decade, the Walt Disney Company is expanding its theme park empire—this time to Abu Dhabi, marking Disney’s first resort in the Middle East. The new park will anchor a resort on Yas Island, a popular entertainment destination already home to SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World.

Disney announced the project on Wednesday alongside strong Q2 earnings. The new development will include one theme park and several hotels, with an expected opening in the early 2030s.

🔗 Read official report via CNBC

Strategic location with access to 500 million people

According to Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, Abu Dhabi’s geographic location and its vision for global connectivity played a key role. More than 500 million people across the region are within a four-hour flight, including in India, where travel to Abu Dhabi is easier than to existing Disney parks in Shanghai or Paris.

🔗 More on Yas Island developments

Creative design reflects Abu Dhabi culture

D’Amaro emphasized that the new Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be designed uniquely for the region. Disney Imagineers are leading the creative design, ensuring the park reflects local culture, architecture, and cuisine.

Unlike traditional castle designs, the artist rendering shows a spiraling, crystal-inspired structure at the park’s center—symbolizing innovation and a futuristic identity.

High-tech innovation and waterfront immersion

Disney says the park will be its most technologically advanced resort, integrating real-time storytelling through tools like Unreal Engine, already used in its film and game productions.

This will also be the first Disney park built directly on a waterfront, setting a new precedent for guest immersion and visual experience.

🔗 How Disney is using tech in theme parks

Abu Dhabi chosen over Dubai for long-term potential

While Dubai’s past theme park projects struggled financially, industry experts say Abu Dhabi is a safer bet. Dennis Speigel, founder of International Theme Park Services, said the “critical mass of leisure already on Yas Island” gives Disney a manageable and potentially profitable opportunity.

🔗 Analysis: Why Disney picked Abu Dhabi over Dubai

Earnings report highlights theme park growth

Disney’s announcement came on the heels of strong earnings. The company posted $23.6 billion in revenue for the quarter, a 7% year-on-year rise. Theme parks contributed 59% of total operating income, affirming their strategic value despite global economic uncertainties.

🔗 Q2 earnings full breakdown