Groundbreaking news broke out of Abu Dhabi yesterday as Disney is set to partner with Miral to bring a brand new Disney theme park to Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure.
I can’t quite put into words just how incredible this project is for the Middle East and Yas Island is already one of the premium entertainment destinations on the planet comprising of such attractions as Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld not to mention a world-class golf course and mall, F1 race track and incredible hotels.
After visiting Yas Island for the first time I was absolutely hooked, there’s so much to do in walking distance of one another and the attractions are absolutely out of this world and with recent news from the Arabian Travel Market of the island growing exponentially year after year this is the perfect park to add to the island portfolio in addition to the announcements made at the travel market last week.
The upcoming Disney park will be a waterfront resort that will become the seventh Disney theme park resort that will combine iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture and breathtaking architecture.
In the first concept released by Miral it looks as though the Disney castle itself will be completely redesigned and it looks absolutely phenomenal. Disney claim this park will be their most technologically advanced and the biggest single park they will have anywhere in the world.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said:
Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future.
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.
Having Miral building the project is also a plus for me as they’re already proven in building some of the world’s best attractions and will be further complimented by Disney’s legendary imagineers who will head creative design and operation oversight.
Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company said:
This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity.
As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.
This exciting project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before and will be a massive tourism boost to allow Yas Island to keep expanding and growing with each and every passing year.
There are no estimated opening dates that have been released at this early stage but 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.
Further details will be announced as the project progresses but I absolutely cannot wait for a Disney Abu Dhabi theme park!
