The first Disney theme park in the Middle East is set to take shape at Yas Island, a prominent entertainment and leisure hub in Abu Dhabi, which already hosts major attractions like Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and Ferrari World.

The Walt Disney Company officially announced plans in May to develop Disneyland Abu Dhabi – marking the company’s seventh global resort destination.

This new venture is a collaboration with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, and will be located on the waterfront of Yas Island.

With a potential opening in the early 2030s, the initial project plan includes one theme park and an unspecified number of hotels.

Miral will fully fund, develop, and operate the park, while Disney Imagineers will lead creative design and provide operational oversight.

According to a New York Post report, the theme park is estimated to cost $10 billion to build.

Disney’s theme park on Yas Island will be its seventh globally.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi aims to blend Disney’s beloved characters and narratives with Emirati culture, featuring contemporary architecture and cutting-edge technology to offer immersive experiences. It aims to integrate Disney’s characters and narratives with Emirati culture, featuring contemporary architecture and advanced technology to deliver immersive experiences.

“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world,” said Robert A Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, stated: “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence.”

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, added that the Abu Dhabi resort “will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” leveraging its unique waterfront location.

This announcement marks the first time in 15 years that Disney has unveiled plans for a new theme park.