Disney CEO Bob Iger Confirms Disneyland Abu Dhabi on Yas Island
The long-awaited mystery surrounding the location of Disney's new Middle Eastern venture has finally been resolved. On January 26, 2026, Disney CEO Bob Iger took a significant stroll along a sun-drenched coastal area, officially confirming that the world's seventh Disneyland will be constructed on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the entertainment giant's global expansion strategy.
From Concept to Reality: A Personal Confirmation
Sharing photographs of the sandy construction site with the iconic "YAS" sign visible in the background, Iger personally signaled the transition from initial plans to tangible reality. In a statement that captured the immense scale of this ambitious project, Iger remarked, "Walking the site of what will one day be Disneyland Abu Dhabi! Lots of work ahead, but all very exciting." This personal involvement underscores the importance Disney places on this new destination.
What to Expect from Disneyland Abu Dhabi
First announced in May 2025, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is set to become the seventh global Disneyland destination and the first ever in the Middle East. The park will be developed in collaboration with Miral, the UAE-based entertainment and destination developer responsible for major attractions on Yas Island, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld.
The project is anticipated to feature several key elements:
- A signature Disney castle, serving as the central focal point of the theme park.
- A thoughtful blend of indoor and outdoor attractions specifically designed to accommodate the UAE's unique climate conditions.
- Themed accommodation options, diverse dining experiences, and extensive retail offerings.
Disney has emphasized that the park will seamlessly integrate its classic storytelling and beloved characters with Abu Dhabi's rich cultural and architectural identity. Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, previously described the site as "incredibly unique, anchored by a beautiful waterfront" that will enable Disney to "tell our stories in completely new ways." Iger himself has referred to the park as "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," highlighting how the company envisions this new destination as both a global attraction and a celebration of regional culture.
Project Timeline and Development Phases
While an official opening date has not yet been finalized, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Josh D'Amaro has provided a rough outline of the development timeline:
- Design and Planning Phase: Expected to take approximately 1 to 2 years.
- Construction Phase: Anticipated to span 4 to 6 years following the planning stage.
Based on this projected schedule, industry analysts and observers expect Disneyland Abu Dhabi could potentially open its gates as early as 2030, though it might extend into the early 2030s depending on various factors.
Strategic Significance and Future Impact
Disney's strategic decision to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE's growing prominence as a regional travel hub. With its advantageous proximity to the Middle East, Africa, India, and Europe, Disney believes there is substantial demand for new and immersive entertainment experiences in this market. For the UAE and Abu Dhabi specifically, securing a Disneyland project represents a major milestone in tourism and global entertainment development.
Yas Island is already recognized as a world-class destination, and the addition of a Disney resort, complete with its iconic castle and themed lands, is expected to attract millions of additional visitors annually. In previous interviews, Iger has made it clear that the selection of Abu Dhabi was a deliberate choice, citing the region's cultural ambition, creative spirit, and expanding reputation as a center for tourism and innovation.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi will join an exclusive family of global Disney resorts, which includes parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. This expansion marks a significant step for Disney as it ventures into new cultural territories, further solidifying its international footprint.
