Disney unveils plans for first theme park in the Middle East
The internet is buzzing about the new Disneyland. When is the grand opening?
Walt Disney Company is planning to open its first theme park in the Middle East. It will be the seventh Disneyland in the world. The attraction will be located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and will join other theme parks like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.
The first Disneyland in the Middle East
The project is being developed in collaboration with local developer Miral, who will finance and manage the park under a Disney license. The creative project is being handled by Walt Disney Imagineering. Although the official name has not yet been confirmed, the company's CEO, Bob Iger, has referred to the investment as "Disneyland Abu Dhabi".
The new park aims to combine classic Disney stories with elements of Emirati culture. Inside, visitors will be able to enjoy various attractions, themed hotels, and dining and shopping areas. The location on Yas Island provides access to approximately 500 million potential visitors within a four-hour flight radius. Although the exact opening date of Disneyland has not yet been announced, the project is currently in the planning and design phase, and the typical construction time for such facilities is around five years.
The company invests in theme parks
The announcement of the park's construction coincided with the release of Disney's financial results for the second quarter of 2025. The company reported revenues of $23.6 (€20.9) billion, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The theme parks alone generated $8.9 (€7.9) billion in revenue, significantly exceeding analysts' forecasts. Disney plans to invest as much as $60 (€53) billion over the next decade in the development of theme parks, cruise lines, and other attractions.
