Disney fans, get ready, a brand-new Disneyland resort is coming coming to Abu Dhabi.
The theme park and entertainment giant has confirmed plans to build its seventh major park on Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi.
Disney is working with Miral, the state-owned company behind Abu Dhabi's tourism hotspot.
If the name sounds familiar, Yas Island already boasts Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, a massive waterpark. Or perhaps you'll recognise the name from Formula 1, as it is home to the Grand Prix race track.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, and according to Disney boss Bob Iger, it’ll be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati”.
Disney won’t be running the show alone. The park will be developed and operated by Miral, while Disney will handle the creative vision and design.
Specific details of what attractions will be built have yet to be announced.
Guests can expect a full line-up of themed rides, hotels, restaurants, and shops when it opens.
So far, Disney has said the new park will offer 'signature Disney entertainment' along with 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."
Disney CEO Bob Iger pointed to Abu Dhabi’s unique location as a global travel hub.
The city-state, which is one part of the United Arab Emirates, is 'just a four-hour flight from a third of the world’s population', which makes it a prime spot for a new global Disney resort.
Abu Dhabi is around 13 hours, by direct flight, from America's east coast. And about six hours from the major European cities.
For guests in Ireland and UK, meanwhile, a direct flight takes close to seven hours.
It comes as Disney is pushing multiple park expansions and upgrades across its portfolio, under increasing competition in Orlando, where Universal appears to be applying pressure with its new 'hit' theme park, Epic Universe.
At the same time, Universal recently launched its next new theme park project, to build a Universal park in the United Kingdom (with a planned opening in 2031).
No opening dates have been announced for Disneyland Abu Dhabi yet, but one thing’s for sure: Disney’s world is about to get a little bigger.
