Jobs, Hotels, & More: What to Expect at Disneyland Abu Dhabi

Yes, it’s happening... Disney is officially coming to the UAE! On Wednesday, top Disney execs flew into Abu Dhabi to break the news: the first-ever Disney theme park in the Middle East will be built right here in the emirate.

The new park, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, will be the seventh Disney resort in the world and the first since Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016. And while it’s early days, here’s everything we know so far, from opening timelines to job opportunities and where it might be built.

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Where Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Be?

The park will be developed on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s go-to destination for family fun and theme parks. While the exact spot hasn’t been confirmed yet, Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro teased that the location will be “anchored by a beautiful waterfront”. That means we could be looking at a stunning, coastal Disney experience.

There’s a big area of untouched land near Yas North that could be the future home of Mickey, Minnie, and the gang, but nothing’s official just yet.

When Is Disneyland Abu Dhabi Opening?

Don’t pack your Mickey ears just yet, there’s still a long road ahead. D’Amaro said the park could take 1-2 years to design and another 4-6 years to build. That means we’re probably looking at an opening window between 2030 and 2033.

It’s going to be worth the wait though, this promises to be the most advanced Disney park yet.

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Abu Dhabi celebrates the exciting news of the upcoming Disney Theme Park Resort in Abu Dhabi

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Thousands of Jobs Are Expected

While there’s no job listing live (yet), Disney’s parks are known for creating massive employment opportunities. Globally, Disney employs over 230,000 people, and Disneyland Paris alone has more than 18,000 staff.

So yes, when the time comes, expect thousands of jobs in Abu Dhabi, from entertainment and hospitality to retail, tech, and park operations.

Hotels, Shopping, and All the Disney Vibes

Disney confirmed that the park will feature themed hotels, restaurants, and retail experiences. So if you’re dreaming of a Disney hotel suite, themed dining, or shopping your way through exclusive merch, it's all coming.

Fun fact: the first Disney Store in the UAE opened at Yas Mall in March, followed by a flagship at Dubai Mall. So Disney retail is already making moves here.

A Disney Experience With Emirati Soul

This isn’t just another cookie-cutter theme park. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will have a distinctly Emirati flair. CEO Bob Iger said the park will blend classic Disney storytelling with the culture, architecture, and innovation of the UAE.

Expect traditional Emirati elements woven into immersive, high-tech experiences, all in true Disney fashion.

The Most High-Tech Disney Yet

D’Amaro promised that this would be the “most advanced and interactive destination” in Disney’s portfolio. Think: smart rides, futuristic architecture, immersive environments, and maybe even a castle like nothing we’ve ever seen.

This is Disney pushing the limits, and we’re here for it.

It’s Set to Supercharge UAE Tourism

Disney chose Abu Dhabi for a reason. The UAE is just a four-hour flight from one-third of the world’s population, making it a global tourism hub. With over 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year, the location is ideal for international and regional visitors.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, called the move a big win for cultural and family tourism in the region.

Developed by Miral With Disney’s Legendary Imagineers

The project will be fully developed by Miral, the company behind attractions like Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World. Disney’s Imagineers, the creative minds behind every park, will lead the design and experience, so you can expect the full magic treatment.

The Magic Starts Here

It’s official! The magic of Disney is coming to Abu Dhabi, and it’s going to be big. From themed hotels and waterfront castles to Emirati-inspired experiences and groundbreaking tech, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be a game-changer for the region.

So while we count down to 2030 (ish), keep your eyes on Yas Island, because something magical is on its way.