Disneyland opens its first branch in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi.

The Walt Disney Company has officially announced its new project in the Middle East, as it prepares to build a state-of-the-art entertainment city in Abu Dhabi. This will be the latest in the company's history since the establishment of the first Disney resort in California in 1955. The new project, called "Disneyland Abu Dhabi," is part of an ambitious vision to strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for tourism and entertainment. Get the latest celebrity ads directly on the Special app, where we show you everything new from international stars.

Yas Island to host the first Disneyland in the Middle East The chosen location for the project is not ordinary. It is Yas Island, a waterfront destination that has become one of the UAE's most important entertainment destinations. The collaboration between Disney and Miral, an Emirati company specializing in developing tourist destinations, reflects a serious commitment to achieving a world-class project.

A blend of Disney World and Emirati identity

In official statements, Bob Iger, Disney's CEO, confirmed that the project will offer a unique Disney experience, but with the spirit of Abu Dhabi. The idea is not simply to replicate the other six cities, but rather to present Disneyland with a local touch that showcases Emirati culture and reflects the character of the capital in design and content.

Easy access and a complete tourist experience

Choosing Abu Dhabi not only offers a prime location, but also ensures easy access from multiple regions such as Asia, Europe, and Africa, making the experience accessible to a wider range of visitors. The project will include luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, shops, and entertainment attractions inspired by beloved Disney characters, integrating modern technology to deliver an unprecedented entertainment experience.

Miral is implementing... and Disney is supervising the creativity.

According to an official statement issued by the two companies, Miral will assume full responsibility for construction and development, while Disney will play a key role in design and creative oversight. After the opening, the city will be managed and operated by Miral, enhancing the project's efficiency and relevance to the local market.

Advanced technology and innovative design for the new Disney Castle

In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, described the project as a "game-changing" theme park, noting that the resort will feature a "modern, unprecedented castle" based on the latest entertainment technology. Enjoy interesting and useful content with an exclusive podcast that provides you with everything you need to know in just a few minutes via the Special app.

Accelerated financial growth supports Disney's global expansion.

This announcement coincides with Disney's strong financial results for the start of 2025. The company recorded revenues of $23.6 billion in the first quarter, a 7% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The number of Disney+ subscribers also rose to 126 million, and the Disney Experiences segment alone generated revenues of $8.9 billion, confirming that the company is steadily moving towards further global expansion, particularly in the Gulf region.