Disney just recently dropped some HUGE announcements with its recent second-quarter 2025 earnings call.
We learned a lot about how the company was doing financially, as well as how well its streaming services were doing, as well as how the theme parks were doing. However, Disney dropped a MAJOR news bomb, as well, when it announced it was building an entirely new theme park in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The company revealed some of the plans it has for that new theme park, so we’re going to dive into everything we know so far.
Collaboration
Disney will be working with Miral, an Abu Dhabi company that creates destinations and experiences, to bring the new theme park to life. Miral will fully develop and build the new resort while Disney and its Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight.
The resort will be operated by Miral.
Location
Disney revealed that the Abu Dhabi theme park would be located on Yas Island on the waterfront. Yas Island is a “world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond.”
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences said, “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.”
Yas Island has several other theme parks, too, including Ferrari World, which is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster. The Island is also home to Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Timeline
So when will this new theme park be opening? In an interview with CNBC, Disney CEO Bob Iger said, “We’re not pinning down a date yet. It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build but we’re not making any commitments right now.”
If that is the timeline for building the new park, it seems like it could be opening around 2032, give or take.
Accommodations and Shopping/Dining
Disney also revealed that the new resort will offer signature Disney-themed accommodations, meaning that visitors will be able to stay in special themed hotels on or near the resort.
Disney also promised signature entertainment, as well as “unique dining and retail experiences.” So expect to see new restaurants and shopping venues for the Abu Dhabi resort, too.
Disney says that the new resort will feature “storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.”
We’ll be looking for even more details about the new theme park, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Disney Fans Raise Concerns Over Controversial Abu Dhabi Park Announcement
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