Disney lands in Abu Dhabi: seventh themed resort will rise on Yas Island

The Disney family is expanding. In an announcement bound to make the hearts of theme park enthusiasts (and others) flutter, The Walt Disney Company and Miral-the tourism development giant in the Emirates-have made official the birth of a stunning new Disney resort in Abu Dhabi.

The location? The now iconic Yas Island, already the beating heart of Emirati entertainment, which is preparing to welcome the seventh global themed resort from the world's most beloved brand.

An ambitious project, it promises to blend the magic of Disney stories and characters with the cultural, architectural and natural richness of the United Arab Emirates. The goal is clear: to transform Abu Dhabi into a new Mecca of global tourism, with an experience that is "authentically Disney and distinctively Emirati," as Robert Iger, CEO of the American company, put it.

A new Disney kingdom in the heart of the world

The new Disney resort will be developed by Miral and designed in collaboration with Disney's legendary Imagineers, those who have been bringing dreams to life in the American giant's parks for decades. Located beachfront, the complex promises an unprecedented immersive experience enhanced by iconic attractions, themed hotels, exclusive restaurants and stores designed to give visitors lasting memories.

But it will not just be an attraction: it will be a symbol of Abu Dhabi's vision for a future where innovation, culture and sustainability come together. Not coincidentally, the city is less than a four-hour flight away from a third of the world's population, making it a strategic destination for attracting travelers from Asia, Europe and Africa.

Where are the other Disney parks located in the world?

With the Abu Dhabi announcement, the total number of Disney themed resorts worldwide rises to seven. Here is where the other six are located:

1. Disneyland Resort (California, USA) - The first, the original, opened in 1955 in Anaheim.
2. Walt Disney World Resort (Florida, USA) - The largest in the world, with four theme parks and two water parks.
3. Tokyo Disney Resort (Japan) - Opened in 1983, it includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
4. Disneyland Paris (France) - Opened in 1992, it is Disney's European "home."
5. Hong Kong Disneyland (China) - The most compact park, but full of technological innovations.
6. Shanghai Disney Resort (China) - The newest, opened in 2016, designed for Chinese audiences with a modern interpretation of the Disney experience.

The seventh, at Yas Island, will thus be the first in the Arab world, bringing Disney magic to a new, as yet unexplored region for the brand.

Yas Island: not just Disney

Yas Island is not a new name for travel and entertainment enthusiasts. The man-made island, less than half an hour from Abu Dhabi International Airport, is already an elite destination for experiential tourism.

Here's what you can find on the island:

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - The world's first Ferrari theme park, with record-breaking roller coasters such as the Formula Red.
• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi - A fully air-conditioned indoor park with scenery inspired by Looney Tunes, DC Comics and Hanna-Barbera.
• Yas Waterworld - A world-class water park with more than 40 slides, pools and themed attractions.
• SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - Just opened, it is the first SeaWorld outside the United States and the first without captive orcas.
• Yas Marina Circuit - The Formula 1 circuit that hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Etihad Arena & Yas Mall - For concerts, shopping and indoor entertainment.

With the arrival of Disney, Yas Island takes another leap forward, strengthening its position as a global hub for leisure and family tourism.

What does this mean for travelers?

Source : https://www.instagram.com/disneyland/

For those who collect theme park experiences or are looking for new premium destinations, the opening of Disney's Abu Dhabi resort will be a game changer. It will be closer than Asia for those departing from Europe and more accessible for families from the Middle East, India and North Africa. Plus, direct flights and connections with major airlines - Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways - will make the experience even easier to plan.

When will it open? No official date has been announced, but considering standard development timelines, it is realistic to expect opening by the end of the decade.

Pictured from left to right, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Robert A. Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences.

One thing is certain, however: the future of global entertainment passes through Yas Island--and it has Mickey Mouse ears.

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