Abu Dhabi will soon have a new Disney theme park

A striking spiraling castle that appears to be made of crystal is the centerpiece of concept art for a new Disney theme park set to open in Abu Dhabi. This upcoming destination will be added to the expansive Yas Island entertainment hub, already home to several major parks including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, which launched in 2018. The renderings also reveal a variety of waterfront attractions, highlighting the scale and ambition of the project.

Yas Island has seen remarkable development in less than two decades, evolving into a premier global destination for theme park enthusiasts. It features some of the world’s most advanced attractions, such as a high-tech 3D cinema, the globe’s fastest roller coaster, and a ride boasting the tallest non-inverted loop. The Guinness World Record for the largest indoor aquatic theme park on Earth is presently held by SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, one of the island’s highlights.

Disney’s newest resort, the seventh of its kind worldwide, will be developed in collaboration with Miral, a UAE-based company responsible for the island’s previous entertainment ventures. In a statement, Disney described the upcoming park as a fusion of its beloved stories, characters, and attractions with the cultural richness, stunning architecture, and scenic coastlines of Abu Dhabi.

CEO Bob Iger noted during a recent earnings call that the decision to build in Abu Dhabi followed thorough evaluation of potential locations, emphasizing that such a move is a significant vote of confidence in the region. Though the company hasn’t provided additional details, it’s clear the project reflects Disney’s commitment to international expansion.

Despite facing internal and external criticism over its stance on political issues, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ policies in Florida, Disney’s “experiences” division-which includes theme parks and cruises-remains a vital part of its operations, generating around 60 percent of the company’s annual profits. Disney Abu Dhabi’s debut date is still pending.