Everything we know about Disneyland Abu Dhabi, from expected opening date to jobs and hotels

Disney is coming to the UAE. On Wednesday, Disney bosses were in Abu Dhabi to announce the news: the company's first theme park in the Middle East will be built in the emirate.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be the seventh Disney theme park resort, but what do we know so far?

Disneyland Abu Dhabi's location

The exact site for Disneyland Abu Dhabi remains unconfirmed. Nonetheless, developer Miral has stated that it will be constructed on Yas Island .

We are aware it will be located along the coastline. During the unveiling, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Josh D'Amaro characterized the location as "extraordinarily distinctive – with a stunning water vista – enabling us to narrate our tales through entirely fresh perspectives."

A significant expanse of undisturbed coastline exists close to Yas North, potentially suitable for the Disney project. Nonetheless, this information has not been confirmed yet.

Disney's opening date

An announcement regarding the opening date or construction timeline for Disneyland Abu Dhabi has not been made yet.

Speaking to Reuters, D’Amaro said the project could take "a year or two to design, and another four to six years to build".

This would mean an opening date between 2030 and 2033.

Thousands of jobs

Although specific information regarding the number of job opportunities created by the theme park has not been disclosed, it is anticipated to generate thousands of new positions upon opening. As of last December, The Walt Disney Company reported employing 233,000 individuals at its numerous theme parks and resorts worldwide.

According to the Theme Index 2023, Disneyland Paris, which attracts the highest number of visitors among theme parks in Europe, has over 18,000 employees, with approximately 90 percent working full-time positions.

Disney shopping and hotels

No park specifics have been announced. However, Disney has said there will be accommodation, dining and retail on site. A Disney hotel (or hotels) is expected, and the shopping will follow the opening of the first stand-alone Disney Store in the UAE, which opened at Yas Mall in March. It was followed shortly by a flagship shop in Dubai Mall.

"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," Disney's statement says.

Emirati cultural elements will be included.

We can expect regional cultural references at the park, as Disney chief executive Bob Iger described the park as "distinctly Emirati".

Speaking at the announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi, he said: "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.”

Iger characterized the UAE as possessing a culture marked by a deep admiration for art and innovation.

The most high-tech Disney to date

D’Amaro said the destination would be "the most advanced and interactive destination in the Disney portfolio".

This could be seen through high-tech rides, transport options, immersive experiences and commerce on site.

"The idea behind this resort aims to revolutionize theme park design by featuring cutting-edge technology and innovative architecture, such as a contemporary castle that surpasses anything we have previously developed," D'Amaro stated.

This is anticipated to bring about a significant upsurge in tourism.

Disney has selected this strategic location due to the fact that the UAE offers access via air travel to one-third of the world’s populace within just a four-hour flight, establishing itself as a crucial entry point for tourists. Moreover, the UAE hosts the planet’s biggest international aviation center, where approximately 120 million travelers pass through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually.

Speaking of the tourism benefits, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak , chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, said the emirate "continues to reinforce its position as a leading global destination for cultural and family tourism".

Miral is overseeing the development of the park.

Abu Dhabi entertainment and leisure destination developer Miral will fully develop the park. The Disney statement adds that it will work with its "legendary Imagineers who will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience".