When will Disneyland open in Abu Dhabi? Here’s what we know so far

Dubai: Walt Disney is set to open the Middle East’s first Disneyland in Abu Dhabi, according to an official announcement made on May 7. This will become Disney’s seventh theme park destination globally, joining its existing locations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Strategically located to serve visitors from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia and Europe, the new resort is expected to attract millions of regional and international tourists every year.

The announcement has generated excitement not only across the UAE but also worldwide. Now that the plans are official and the park is confirmed to open in the capital, the next big question on everyone’s mind is - when will it open?

Although the project is still in its early stages, there are already hints about the timeline for opening and how the iconic theme park is expected to look.

Disney has not yet confirmed an opening date for the new theme park. However, according to Reuters, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said that a project of this scale could take one to two years to design, followed by four to six years of construction.

If all goes according to schedule, the Disneyland theme park and resort could be open to visitors by 2032 or 2033.

The planned Disney waterfront resort will be built on Yas Island, a major tourism and entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi. The island is already home to several family-friendly attractions including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island, and Yas Waterworld.

Yas Island is located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and about 50 minutes from Dubai, making it easily accessible for both local and international visitors.

There has been no official reveal yet of what the new Disneyland will look like. However, it is expected to be a unique addition to Disney’s global portfolio.

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said that Disneyland Abu Dhabi would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” suggesting a park that blends Disney’s storytelling heritage with the UAE’s culture and futuristic vision.

Once complete, the resort is expected to feature signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, immersive dining and shopping experiences, and attractions that reflect both Disney’s legacy and Abu Dhabi’s local character.

The Disneyland resort in Abu Dhabi will be fully developed and built by Miral, the master developer behind several of Yas Island’s entertainment projects. Disney will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight to ensure a world-class guest experience.

Miral, which has already collaborated with major American and European brands in developing popular attractions on Yas Island, will also operate the new Disney resort.

In an interview with CNN, Josh D’Amaro said the park has the potential to serve around 500 million people in the region who have the means and access to visit a Disney theme park. This large potential audience, along with the UAE’s focus on future-ready development, played a key role in the company’s decision to expand to Abu Dhabi.

According to Disney, the UAE’s proximity to key tourism markets, particularly India, will significantly boost visitor numbers. The travel distance for Indian tourists, for example, will be much shorter compared to flying to Disneyland parks in Shanghai or Hong Kong.

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

Yas Island recorded 38 million visits in 2024, with the highest number of visitors coming from India, followed by China, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Both of the UAE’s major airlines, Emirates and Etihad, offer extensive connectivity to Indian cities. Etihad operates direct flights to multiple Indian destinations, while Emirates connects Dubai to 23 key cities across India.