“As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.”
– Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.
Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi. For downloadable media assets, please visit: Disney Experiences
NOTES:
Flights are $1500/person on Average (13 Hours-Non-stop) Washington DC, IAD, Dulles Airport to Abu Dhabi, AUH, Zayed International Airport, United Arab Emirates
Example:
My entire family (14 of us) did a cruise out of Dubai over the Christmas/New Year holidays in 2023/24. The cruise deal included air so it was very reasonable. This would have been amazing! We did go to the new Sea World in Abu Dhabi and it was beautiful. I guess I’ll have an excuse to go back
@Rather-be-at-disney Yes, we never had any problems at all. We spent 2 1/2 days in Dubai, 2 in Abu Dhabi, and then stops in Sir Bani Yas, Bahrain, and Doha. I actually thought Doha was more impressive than Dubai surprisingly. We were supposed to have a stop in Saudi Arabia but that was canceled - I think because the travel visas were so difficult to figure out.
This is not what Disney, an American company, should be spending it’s time and money on, in a country that does not embrace women, freedom and the Disney dream. I love Disney, but would never go to Saudi Arab countries to visit a Disney Park. Maybe if they built their own park, not associated with the Disney way of life, that is ok! They have more oil rich folks to sell the dream to, another character dream, than the Disney Dream. Maybe Ireland, England, Spain would be a better place, or Canada or consider another park in America!!!
Sorry, but I have to agree. This will play very well for Disney on the international Money front but not well back at home. I have been saying for years that Disney has lost it’s vision of what Walt wanted and has not so quietly moved to a corporate business model that has forgotten the fan base and American traveler.
Disney can try to install Route 66 in it’s parks, but it’s been years since Disney traveled it’s own highways. You can’t bring back the past but we sure can hope that the future includes the people who made this dream a reality.
I thought about that too, but basically this sounds like another deal like Oriental Land Company for the Asian parks. That will be the big investor moreso than Disney. It leads to some incredible park experiences. Hopefully the negative parts of that region’s culture stay outside the gates. After all, Walt said, “To ALL that come to this happy place” not some, all.
@AlisonK I see this as Disney positioning itself for an international market grab. It’s hard to be happy about another park when Disney has taken so much away from the guests at the parks they already have. I get that Iger is taking his last bows - FYI - this deal was on the table when he was CEO before, they just didn’t come to an agreement. I completely get why Disney is doing it - it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Disney Movie Studio is suffering, Disney+ is lagging and the park attendance is low - they need an influx of money - this, once it opens, will assure an international market boost. @AlisonK is correct - this will have little to do with Disney in the way of management and everyday operations - getting the Disney name was what was key.
I have nothing against the region or people - I do however have an issue with not addressing the parks that need attention. The logistics for people in the US to get there will be complex to say the least. This was not aimed at the Season Passholder, Common Guest or even DVC member, but rather a localized regional investment. It is what it is, there will be some ground breaking rides and attractions that will come out of this, and for that I am happy. We may not get to see them here in the US due to the high cost. Time will tell. I’m not cynical, I’m realistic.
Cars is never coming to Magic Kingdom. And Disney is losing all its acquired IPs due to being broken up under antitrust. Marvel, Pixar, and Fox will be independent again. Lucasfilm will be handed back to George’s family and likewise the Muppets will be handed back to Jim’s family. Marvel and Pixar will be leaving the parks entirely and Galaxy’s Edge will be gone, too. Disney is going to be rewound backwards to the 20th century where it belongs.
So ~ after destroying some things that were treasured in the park they NOW decide to splash out on a 5th park where these new attractions could have gone. Stupidity beyond belief
Disney has lost its way with the current CEO and it’s focus on drunks and not on families.
No longer a place for a father and children to do things together. Sad.. NOT AFFORDABLE!
I always wondered why they never made a park in Brazil. So many come from Brazil to Disney World. Wouldn’t it be lucrative to build a park there? Seems like there would be a demand for it.
Are Minnie and the Princesses going to have to wear a burka? Will the Princesses be able to leave the castle without permission from their Prince? Disney must be desperate for money to agree to place a theme park in a strict Muslim country. I’m not sure the UAE will be hanging up any “Pride” flags or support the “trans” ideology either. Disney are such hypocrites.
What a complete joke – this puke company and useful idiots threw temper tantrums over a Florida law that says you should NOT discuss sexuality with kids in K-3 and all the pukes soiled their depends including those on ESPN! Now they are building a park in a place where you are beheaded if you are a homosexual, women cannot wear tank tops, and you cannot hug or kiss in public. Can’t wait to see
Minnie in a Burka celebrating Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha will be spectacular. This company is SO GONE.
So true, what will the DEI Disney do without gay lesbian and transvestite characters? And what about the staff usually all the costumes are filled with the above listed cast members?
Given the global climate at the moment, I’m not sure that this would be a good choice for a theme park location. Extremists might see this as a prime target for acts of terrorism, looking upon such a place that promotes western values, over traditional values of that nation, as an affront to the people of that region. Very concerned!
What a waste of money! They should be creating a new park in Orlando to compete with Universal. The Middle East is the LAST place they should be building in. It will be a big turnoff to a lot of Disney fans worldwide who will not visit due to Islamic rules. I can’t see this being compatible with Disney.
Put your (our) money into the theme parks you already have. Do updates and fix the broken outdated stuff. Everyone of them needs maintenance badly. Let the rich build their own. They have tons of their own money.
The company (Miral) building this new park will be using their $$$. They will pay HUGE licensing fees to Disney to build the park. Disney is a publicly traded company which is increasing value for its shareholders. That is how Capitalism works.
For a company that fought Florida over the imaginary “don’t say gay” bill …. now they’re going to give Arabs $60 BILLION to build a park in a country where being gay is illegal? Yeah …. they’re “committed” to diversity. -eye rolls-
All of the maintenance and upgrades that are needed in existing parks and Disney (Bobby I.) decides to spend $60b on a new park? What are the shareholders, or the “guests” thinking about this one? One can bet recent price increases are going to seem mild compared to what’s coming to help finance a new park. Tell me why Bobby I. is still at the helm. I’ll wait.
This will really go over well with the Gays For Palestine movement I’m sure not to mention all the LGBT supporting Hamas. Hopefully they’ll all get what they wished for….
Comments for Disney Goes All in on $60 Billion Investment, Seventh Theme Park Resort Officially Announced
“As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.”
– Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company
Disney’s Abu Dhabi
The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.
Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
For downloadable media assets, please visit:
Disney Experiences
NOTES:
Flights are $1500/person on Average (13 Hours-Non-stop)
Washington DC, IAD, Dulles Airport to Abu Dhabi, AUH, Zayed International Airport, United Arab Emirates
Example:
Exchange rate:
1 USD = 3.6725 AED
This is one that I will never visit. I would not feel comfortable in this country. I wonder if terrorists will make it a target?
My entire family (14 of us) did a cruise out of Dubai over the Christmas/New Year holidays in 2023/24. The cruise deal included air so it was very reasonable. This would have been amazing! We did go to the new Sea World in Abu Dhabi and it was beautiful. I guess I’ll have an excuse to go back
@Rather-be-at-disney Yes, we never had any problems at all. We spent 2 1/2 days in Dubai, 2 in Abu Dhabi, and then stops in Sir Bani Yas, Bahrain, and Doha. I actually thought Doha was more impressive than Dubai surprisingly. We were supposed to have a stop in Saudi Arabia but that was canceled - I think because the travel visas were so difficult to figure out.
That’s awesome! May I ask, were the people nice and accepting over there?
This is not what Disney, an American company, should be spending it’s time and money on, in a country that does not embrace women, freedom and the Disney dream. I love Disney, but would never go to Saudi Arab countries to visit a Disney Park. Maybe if they built their own park, not associated with the Disney way of life, that is ok! They have more oil rich folks to sell the dream to, another character dream, than the Disney Dream. Maybe Ireland, England, Spain would be a better place, or Canada or consider another park in America!!!
Sorry, but I have to agree. This will play very well for Disney on the international Money front but not well back at home. I have been saying for years that Disney has lost it’s vision of what Walt wanted and has not so quietly moved to a corporate business model that has forgotten the fan base and American traveler.
Disney can try to install Route 66 in it’s parks, but it’s been years since Disney traveled it’s own highways. You can’t bring back the past but we sure can hope that the future includes the people who made this dream a reality.
I thought about that too, but basically this sounds like another deal like Oriental Land Company for the Asian parks. That will be the big investor moreso than Disney. It leads to some incredible park experiences. Hopefully the negative parts of that region’s culture stay outside the gates. After all, Walt said, “To ALL that come to this happy place” not some, all.
@AlisonK I see this as Disney positioning itself for an international market grab. It’s hard to be happy about another park when Disney has taken so much away from the guests at the parks they already have. I get that Iger is taking his last bows - FYI - this deal was on the table when he was CEO before, they just didn’t come to an agreement. I completely get why Disney is doing it - it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Disney Movie Studio is suffering, Disney+ is lagging and the park attendance is low - they need an influx of money - this, once it opens, will assure an international market boost. @AlisonK is correct - this will have little to do with Disney in the way of management and everyday operations - getting the Disney name was what was key.
I have nothing against the region or people - I do however have an issue with not addressing the parks that need attention. The logistics for people in the US to get there will be complex to say the least. This was not aimed at the Season Passholder, Common Guest or even DVC member, but rather a localized regional investment. It is what it is, there will be some ground breaking rides and attractions that will come out of this, and for that I am happy. We may not get to see them here in the US due to the high cost. Time will tell.
I’m not cynical, I’m realistic.
Opening Drone Show 2025
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Post a commentAnonymous
Disney needs to build a 5th park in Orlando and put Cars there instead!!!!!
Pete
Never gonna happen
Anonymous
Tell them that they MUST build it!!!!!!
EJVIKING
Cars should go at DHS. They’ve already got Toy Story and are adding Monsters, Inc. Go all in and make it the Pixar park
If there’s ever a fifth WDW park, it should be the dumping ground for their acquired IPs: Marvel, Lucasfilms, and 20th Century
Steve
Cars is never coming to Magic Kingdom. And Disney is losing all its acquired IPs due to being broken up under antitrust. Marvel, Pixar, and Fox will be independent again. Lucasfilm will be handed back to George’s family and likewise the Muppets will be handed back to Jim’s family. Marvel and Pixar will be leaving the parks entirely and Galaxy’s Edge will be gone, too. Disney is going to be rewound backwards to the 20th century where it belongs.
Caz
So ~ after destroying some things that were treasured in the park they NOW decide to splash out on a 5th park where these new attractions could have gone. Stupidity beyond belief
Cool
Useless!
Gary
With all the money backing it, I’m sure it will be a very beautiful place… and unfortunately, a place that I will never be able to afford to visit.
Wheater76
Disney has lost its way with the current CEO and it’s focus on drunks and not on families.
No longer a place for a father and children to do things together. Sad.. NOT AFFORDABLE!
Stacey
I always wondered why they never made a park in Brazil. So many come from Brazil to Disney World. Wouldn’t it be lucrative to build a park there? Seems like there would be a demand for it.
EJVIKING
I think I’m gonna be sick
Ed
Let Iger and his henchmen try pushing their WOKE agenda in Dubai, heads will roll… literally!
Stella
Ed that was exactly what I was thinking. LOL
B Smith
Are Minnie and the Princesses going to have to wear a burka? Will the Princesses be able to leave the castle without permission from their Prince? Disney must be desperate for money to agree to place a theme park in a strict Muslim country. I’m not sure the UAE will be hanging up any “Pride” flags or support the “trans” ideology either. Disney are such hypocrites.
Walt
What a complete joke – this puke company and useful idiots threw temper tantrums over a Florida law that says you should NOT discuss sexuality with kids in K-3 and all the pukes soiled their depends including those on ESPN! Now they are building a park in a place where you are beheaded if you are a homosexual, women cannot wear tank tops, and you cannot hug or kiss in public. Can’t wait to see
Minnie in a Burka celebrating Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha will be spectacular. This company is SO GONE.
Straightman
So true, what will the DEI Disney do without gay lesbian and transvestite characters? And what about the staff usually all the costumes are filled with the above listed cast members?
CNev
Put money into making things better at the parks you already have Disney.
Dan Fitzpatrick
Given the global climate at the moment, I’m not sure that this would be a good choice for a theme park location. Extremists might see this as a prime target for acts of terrorism, looking upon such a place that promotes western values, over traditional values of that nation, as an affront to the people of that region. Very concerned!
Liz
What a waste of money! They should be creating a new park in Orlando to compete with Universal. The Middle East is the LAST place they should be building in. It will be a big turnoff to a lot of Disney fans worldwide who will not visit due to Islamic rules. I can’t see this being compatible with Disney.
Mary
Put your (our) money into the theme parks you already have. Do updates and fix the broken outdated stuff. Everyone of them needs maintenance badly. Let the rich build their own. They have tons of their own money.
EVAN
The company (Miral) building this new park will be using their $$$. They will pay HUGE licensing fees to Disney to build the park. Disney is a publicly traded company which is increasing value for its shareholders. That is how Capitalism works.
Michael Hsu
If the legal owner of the park and the land that it is built upon is not disney, then it isn’t a disney resort.
Mike S
For a company that fought Florida over the imaginary “don’t say gay” bill …. now they’re going to give Arabs $60 BILLION to build a park in a country where being gay is illegal? Yeah …. they’re “committed” to diversity. -eye rolls-
Bart
I would not step foot in that country. Or the whole region.
Jerry Atrix
All of the maintenance and upgrades that are needed in existing parks and Disney (Bobby I.) decides to spend $60b on a new park? What are the shareholders, or the “guests” thinking about this one? One can bet recent price increases are going to seem mild compared to what’s coming to help finance a new park. Tell me why Bobby I. is still at the helm. I’ll wait.
Montgomery
This will really go over well with the Gays For Palestine movement I’m sure not to mention all the LGBT supporting Hamas. Hopefully they’ll all get what they wished for….
Comments are closed.