Indoor Theme Park in Disneyland, Abu Dhabi Confirmed by Operator
In a thrilling turn of events, Disney's fist theme park in the Middle East's capital, Abu Dhabi, is about to shake things up! This groundbreaking venture, constructed alongside its partnership with Miral, will not follow suit with Disney's traditional theme park model. Here's the scoop on this game-changer.
Miral, a powerhouse in the Middle East's theme park industry, will be in charge of funding, developing, and building the park. In return, the iconic Disney characters and intellectual property will be licensed. Disney will receive royalties based on ticket and merchandise sales and will provide operational oversight. However, the park will be operated by Miral, who have brought in Disney's Imagineers to design it.
This clever arrangement benefits both parties – Disney saves on investment with the development and construction of the park, while harnessing Miral's Middle Eastern expertise. Miral, having built up a world-renowned collection of theme parks in Abu Dhabi, proves the magic of a planned community centered around theme parks.
Also known as Yas Island, this resort is impressively connected, offering upscale residential communities, schools, a business district, a marina, shopping centers, an arena, a beach, an F1 racing circuit, and a golf course. Each of these parks breaks new ground and outshines its predecessors, a testament to Miral's endless pursuit of innovation.
Diving deep into the mind of Miral's charismatic CEO, Mohamed Al Zaabi, he revealed that their strategy is all about crafting ever-impressive experiences. With each project, they strive to exceed the expectations set by the last. This fearless attitude paved the way for the opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which introduced the world's most innovative theme park ride.
Miral's parks don't just lead in the Middle East; they set the bar high in theme parks worldwide, earning a string of industry awards and boosting attendance. Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi, for instance, clocked in an impressive 1.8 million visits in 2023, making it the first Middle Eastern theme park to appear on the Themed Entertainment Association's Global Attractions Attendance Report.
As the mercury in Abu Dhabi can soar above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping guests cool and comfortable is crucial. To tackle this challenge, all of the parks on Yas Island are indoors. This shields guests from the intense heat and allows for intricate character-rich scenery without weather interference. Notably, even the exteriors show the same level of detail as indoor attractions.
As Disney's outpost will also be located on Yas Island and is advertised by CEO Bob Iger as the studio's "most technologically advanced theme park", it's no surprise that it too will be designed with indoor comfort in mind. Al Zaabi confirmed this approach during an interview with the DubaiEye radio station, explaining that their priority is to create an unforgettable experience for guests while maintaining convenience and protection from the sweltering Abu Dhabi heat.
However, being indoors doesn't necessarily mean restricting the park to an entirely enclosed space. The outdoor roller coasters at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi cover an area almost as large as the park itself, so don't be surprised if Disney's Abu Dhabi park boasts some open-air attractions as well.
Critics initially wondered if Disney's indoor parks model would work for its Abu Dhabi venture. One spectator questioned whether the parks could offer the awe-inspiring spectacle that Disney fans have come to expect. But with Disney's knack for integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative theming into their parks, we're eagerly awaiting the results.
The indoor-outdoor dichotomy is a common question among Disney fans. To address this, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has found an ingenious solution in its central plaza, which hosts a screen-based "fireworks" show that projects scenes from classic movies like Superman and Lord of the Rings onto surrounding buildings. Although this offering doesn't match the visceral experience of an actual fireworks show, it's a smart alternative tailored to indoor environments.
Al Zaabi, with his extensive experience in the business sector, will be at the helm of Disney's Abu Dhabi project. With hands-on experience in real estate development and a deep understanding of the theme park industry, he's the perfect choice to manage this venture.
In collaboration with Al Zaabi, Al Mubarak, the chairman of Miral and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, has built Yas Island into a remarkable hub for theme parks, art, and culture. Their careful selection of renowned brands for their outposts in Abu Dhabi, combined with top-tier management, has attracted world-class entertainment brands like Ferrari, Warner Bros., and SeaWorld to Yas Island. Disney, too, has been tempted by Yas Island's charm, ensuring that the resort will soon be home to Disney, Harry Potter, SeaWorld, and Warner Bros., making it a must-visit theme park powerhouse.
Al Zaabi and Al Mubarak's achievement on Yas Island hasn't been achieved through blind spending. Rather, it's the result of tireless multitasking, networking, and a keen understanding of the theme park industry. Instead of taking any available entertainment brand, they've carefully curated each project to ensure that the Yas Island outposts become flagships for each brand.
As Disney's Abu Dhabi park comes to life on Yas Island, it's set to establish a new standard in themed entertainment, destined to outshine the competition. Climate-controlled comfort, innovative theming, and awe-inspiring attractions – we can't wait to see it all unfold!
- Disney's new theme park in Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island, will be financed, developed, and constructed by Miral, a prominent player in the Middle East's theme park industry.
- The CEO of Miral, Mohamed Al Zaabi, revealed that their strategy is to craft ever-impressive experiences, striving to exceed expectations set by the last project.
- Traditional Disney themes may take a back seat in the Disney Abu Dhabi park, as Miral will be operating the park with Disney's Imagineers on board for design.
- Combining indoor and outdoor attractions, the Disney Abu Dhabi park is anticipated to cater to both comfort and adventure, just like the other theme parks on Yas Island.
- With the strategic partnership of Al Zaabi and Al Mubarak, Yas Island is poised to become a world-class destination for theme parks, art, and culture, welcoming brands like Disney, Harry Potter, SeaWorld, and Warner Bros. with top-tier management.
