Walt Disney has unveiled plans to establish a new theme park in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, marking its first significant addition in nearly a decade and its inaugural venture into the Middle East. The project will be developed in partnership with Miral Group, a regional developer renowned for enhancing the entertainment landscape in Abu Dhabi.
This ambitious Disney waterfront resort is set to be situated on Yas Island, an already popular tourist destination that boasts attractions like Warner Bros World Yas Island, SeaWorld Yas Island, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. Yas Island alone attracted over 34 million visitors in 2023, a substantial 38% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting its appeal as a family-friendly hotspot.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney’s Experiences unit, expressed enthusiasm for the project during a recent announcement, stating, “We’ve always been interested in this part of the world to bring our Disney stories to new, younger fans,” underscoring Abu Dhabi’s significance as an ideal location for this venture.
The creative direction of the theme park will be led by Disney’s Imagineers, who are responsible for the design and operational oversight. The financial model will see Disney receiving royalties based on the park’s performance, although specific investment details from Miral have yet to be disclosed.
Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized that the park will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” aiming to blend Disney storytelling with the rich cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s capital is recognized for its oil wealth and has been actively diversifying its economy, pledging over $10 billion towards enhancing its tourism sector in recent years.
While no opening date has been announced, D’Amaro mentioned that the design phase for such a significant project could span one to two years, followed by a construction timeline of four to six years. Once operational, the resort will feature Disney-themed attractions, dining, and retail experiences, enriching Abu Dhabi’s existing tourism offerings.
This new park continues Disney’s initiative to invigorate its Experiences unit, which encompasses six global theme park resorts and a cruise line. The company previously committed $60 billion over the next decade to expand its cruise ship fleet and reinvest in its theme parks.
The development of this Disney theme park signifies a pivotal step in transforming Yas Island into a leading entertainment destination on a global scale, reinforcing the region’s commitment to attracting tourists worldwide. As discussions with Miral progress, the vision for this park provides promising prospects for revitalizing the tourism industry in the Middle East.
Leave a comment