BREAKING NEWS! Disney Announces Plans for First Theme Park & Resort in Middle East
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The Walt Disney Company has officially revealed its exciting plans to construct a brand-new theme park in Abu Dhabi. This highly anticipated park will be on Yas Island, a premier tourism hotspot in the United Arab Emirates. This park will mark the 7th Disney theme park resort globally and first in the Middle East, further expanding Disney’s magical footprint. Here is what we know so far!
Collaboration & Location
The Walt Disney Company is partnering with Miral on this project. Miral, recognized as Abu Dhabi’s premier creator of immersive destinations and experiences, will fully develop and construct the new resort. Disney, along with its renowned Imagineers, will oversee creative design and operational aspects to ensure a world-class experience. Miral, which has collaborated with American and European brands to establish numerous family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, will also manage the resort’s operations.
The waterfront resort will be situated on Yas Island, a premier destination for entertainment and leisure, serving as a hub for travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will merge Disney’s legendary stories, characters, and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s rich culture, picturesque coastlines, and remarkable architecture.
“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,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “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.”
Yas Island has several other theme parks, too, including Ferrari World, which is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster. The Island is also home to Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Timeline
When will the new theme park open? In an interview with CNBC, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated, “We’re not specifying a date yet. It usually takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop, and approximately five years to construct, but we are not making any commitments at this time.”
If that timeline is followed then the new theme park may open around 2032 or so.
Shopping/Dining & Accommodations
Disney also revealed that the new resort will offer signature Disney-themed accommodations, meaning that visitors will be able to stay in special themed hotels on or near the resort.Disney also promised signature entertainment, as well as “unique dining and retail experiences.” So expect to see new restaurants and shopping venues for the Abu Dhabi resort, too.
Disney says that the new resort will feature “storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
When completed, the new theme park resort will feature iconic Disney entertainment, immersive themed accommodations, one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experiences, and storytelling that beautifully blends Disney’s rich heritage with the futuristic and cultural vibrancy of Abu Dhabi.
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