Abu Dhabi's Disneyland Takes Shape, Opening Window Between 2030-2033
Disney's long-awaited theme park in Abu Dhabi is finally taking shape. After its official announcement in May 2025, the project has been making steady progress on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates. The park is being developed by Miral, a local entertainment company behind Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, with Walt Disney Imagineering designing the experience.
Walt Disney Company's CEO Bob Iger visited the site in January 2026, expressing his excitement about the project's potential. 'Walking the site of what will one day be Disneyland Abu Dhabi! Lots of work ahead, but all very exciting,' he posted on social media.
The park is expected to integrate Emirati cultural elements and feature a modern castle design unlike anything Disney has built before. According to Josh D'Amaro, Disney Parks chairman, the project will take 'a year or two to design, and another four to six years to build,' pointing to an opening window between 2030 and 2033.
Disney confirmed its commitment to the project in its Q2 2026 earnings report, stating that 'the strategic logic of our Abu Dhabi plans is unchanged.' With thousands of jobs expected to be created and a global reach unlike anything Disney has attempted before, this park is set to make a significant impact.