Disney Abu Dhabi: Entertainment giant announces plans to build mega theme park in UAE

Disney have made a major announcement to build a mega them park and resort in the middle east, with Australian’s able to fly direct to enjoy the newest flagship in the entertainment giant’s chain.

As Abu Dhabi and Dubai emerge as a global destination for entertainment, the new complex will be the first to open for Disney in a decade and has the backing of Abu Dhabi’s biggest developers.

Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, made the announcement in an agreement to create the landmark Disney theme park resort.

The waterfront resort is earmarked for Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, which Australian travellers know well as a connecting point to the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond.

“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said.

“The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence.

“What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever.

“Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”

The UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism and is home to the largest global airline hub in the world, with 120 million passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.

Australian’s use these airports as connecting or stopover points as they move around the globe, however increasingly they are becoming the actual destination with all that is now on offer.

“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences.

“Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio.

“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.

“This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”

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.