Disney CEO Bob Iger recently posted photos to social media, walking the future site of Disneyland Abu Dhabi. While the site is currently just a sandy beachfront, development will begin soon to bring Disney’s 7th theme park resort to life. Here’s a look at Iger’s post, which revealed the location of the theme park complex for the first time.
Bob Iger Reveals Location of Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Iger posted the following two photos with the caption “Walking the site of what will one day be Disneyland Abu Dhabi! Lots of work ahead, but all very exciting!”
Iger and Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro recently met with H.H. Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, along with Miral Chairman H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, and Group CEO Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi.
Miral says that the recent meeting focused on discussions around the development of the new Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, and the role of strategic partnerships in supporting economic diversification and long-term growth.
While the exact location of the new theme park has not been officially announced, we can deduce where it will be located based on the photos posted by Disney CEO Bob Iger. In this first photo, we can see a small jetty-like feature right along the waterfront.
The second photo shows a large “YAS” sign in the distance, reversed. There also appears to be a major roadway with other decorative features.
Taking those clues, we can say that Iger walked along a beach in the northwest corner of Yas Island. Here’s the outlined location on a Google Maps screenshot. While we don’t know the exact dimensions of the property, there is, at most, about 360 acres to currently develop here.
Of course, that 360 acres assumes absolute maximum build-out, including right up to the front steps of a nearby school. Given the fact that the theme park will not be a traditional, fully outdoor park, it is unlikely that Disney will use this entire space. Reports have also indicated that Miral is open to expanding the footprint of buildable space, perhaps into the nearby body of water.
The theme park would be located right off the E12 highway, an east-west road that runs through the middle of Yas Island, and directly connects to other major roadways that lead to Dubai International Airport, about 1.5 to 2 hours away.
The Zayed International Airport is less than a 10-minute drive from the future site of Disneyland Abu Dhabi, and will likely be a favorite among tourists trying to visit the new Disney theme park in the Middle East.
The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.
The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. Miral, which has developed a number of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, 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.”
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”
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.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi was first announced in May 2025. As far as we know, groundbreaking has not occurred yet, and the resort is expected to open sometime in the 2030s.
For everything we know about Disneyland Abu Dhabi, including the latest news, photos, info, and more, check out our dedicated page below!
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