Disneyland Abu Dhabi Officially Announced; Burj Khalifa Lights Up in Celebration

Dubai : In a spectacular display, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa illuminated in Disney’s signature blue on Friday night to celebrate the official announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi—the first Disney theme park in the Middle East. Animated visuals and iconic Disney motifs adorned the world’s tallest building, marking a significant cultural milestone for the UAE.

The upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be situated on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment destination already home to attractions like Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld. Developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Miral Group, the park will be designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and operated by Miral under Disney’s oversight. This venture represents Disney’s seventh global resort and its first fully indoor theme park, tailored to the region’s climate and cultural context.
While specific details about the park’s lands, attractions, and opening date remain under wraps, the project is expected to take approximately two years for design and up to five years for construction, aiming for an early 2030s debut.
The announcement has generated significant excitement on social media, with fans sharing footage of the Burj Khalifa’s light show and speculating about the Disney experiences to come in Abu Dhabi. This development underscores the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for tourism and entertainment, blending fantasy, innovation, and cultural heritage under one spectacular skyline.