The UAE capital is leveraging massive investments,
a strategic location, and a new, technologically advanced Disney resort to
mount a serious challenge to the long-reigning entertainment hub of Orlando,
Florida.
ABU DHABI – For decades, Orlando has been the undisputed king
of the theme park world, home to global giants like Disney World, Universal
Studios, and SeaWorld. Now, a formidable challenger has emerged from the Arabian
Gulf, as Abu Dhabi makes a strategic bid for the crown.
The game-changing
move came in May 2025, when Disney announced it would build its first new theme
park in 15 years not in California or Japan, but in Abu Dhabi. "There was no doubt," said Josh
D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, about the choice of the UAE capital.
The emirate is
already a major player in the entertainment industry. Its Yas Island is home to Ferrari World, featuring the world's fastest roller coaster; Warner Bros. World, an expansive indoor theme park; Yas Waterworld; and the recently opened SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The addition of a Disney resort positions the
emirate as Orlando's most serious competitor to date.
Scheduled to open in
the early 2030s, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is being touted as the most technologically
advanced Disney park ever built. Concept art reveals a futuristic central tower
that reflects Abu Dhabi's glittering skyline rather than a traditional European
castle. It will also be the first Disney resort with easy access to a
beachfront.
The project will be
developed, built, and operated by the Abu Dhabi-based company Miral, with Disney's renowned Imagineers handling creative design and operational
oversight. "The demand is already there," said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi,
CEO of Miral, noting that Yas Island's theme parks saw a 20% increase in
attendance in 2024.
Abu Dhabi's Strategic Advantage
The emirate's rise comes as tourism to the United
States faces challenges, including lengthy visa procedures and rigorous security
screening. Abu Dhabi offers a smoother alternative, with many nationalities
eligible for visa-free entry or a simple e-visa. Its expanding international airport is known for
efficient border processing.
Despite broader
regional tensions, the UAE continues to rank highly on the Global Peace Index, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and
reliable destination. "In times of uncertainty, people look for
destinations they can trust," Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General
for Tourism at Abu Dhabi, told CNN.
Once on Yas Island,
visitors experience a level of comfort rarely found in other theme park
destinations. Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World are fully enclosed and air-conditioned, as are SeaWorld's aquariums and animal habitats.
"For families used to theme parks in the
US or Europe, Abu Dhabi is a revelation," said Stephen Hopkinson, a
British expatriate living in the city. "You won't spend hours waiting in
the hot sun. Everything is more refined and accessible, which is an incredible
luxury when you have small children."
More Than Just a Theme Park Hub
Unlike Orlando, Abu Dhabi is not positioning
itself solely as a theme park destination. The emirate views its entertainment
parks as part of a broader portfolio that includes world-class cultural
landmarks, luxury hotels, and desert adventures.
Just a 15-minute
drive from Yas Island is Saadiyat Island, the city's cultural district. It is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which attracted 1.4 million visitors last year.
The upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum will further establish the area as one of the
most concentrated hubs of art and heritage in the region.
"Where else can
you start your day under the iconic dome of the Louvre and end it in the
immersive, story-filled worlds of Warner Bros. or Ferrari?" Al Geziry
asked.
As part of its Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi aims to increase its annual visitor
numbers from 24 million in 2023 to over 39 million by the end of the decade,
with the sector's contribution to GDP projected to reach AED 90 billion ($24.5
billion).
