Disney's Abu Dhabi Theme Park Takes Shape with Landmark Research
Disney's upcoming theme park in Abu Dhabi is getting closer to reality. The company has revealed that its Imagineering design team visited two of the most historic landmarks in the United Arab Emirates during the development process.
The delegation, which included former Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald and current Imagineers Bruce Vaughn and Zach Riddley, visited Al Ain Oasis and Qasr Al Watan, the UAE's opulent presidential palace. The team took extensive notes on these landmarks, with a focus on understanding what locals value and how to incorporate those elements into the park design.
According to Jim Shull, a former Imagineer who hosts the Disney Journey YouTube channel, the research process involves not just visiting landmarks but also 'soaking up the environment' and engaging with locals. This approach is designed to ensure that the Abu Dhabi park is both authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.
The development of Disney's Abu Dhabi theme park is currently underway, with a new piece of concept art showing fireworks erupting from the park. However, no opening timeframe has been given for the park, which is not expected to launch until well after 2030.