Stop what you’re doing, Disney Abu Dhabi has been announced and it’s coming to Yas Island.

The new theme park will be Disney’s seventh and the very first in the Middle East. Through the coming together of creativity and progress, The Walt Disney Company plans for this hub of fun to be its most advanced and interactive yet. Miral, the leading creator of destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has been commissioned to build the park and is committed to bringing world-class entertainment and storytelling to Yas Island by collaborating with the legendary Disney Imagineers. Excited visitors will be welcomed to a whole new world that is “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati”, as well as being able to discover a global family destination that delivers luxury and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

A New Magic Kingdom

Endless magic awaits as Disney Abu Dhabi promises to exceed all of your wildest dreams. Due to be built in a scenic waterfront location, it will give Miral new possibilities to tell stories in innovative ways and add to the growing appeal of holidays on Yas Island. There will be a blend of contemporary Middle Eastern architecture with cutting-edge technology that will wow guests, including exhilarating roller coaster rides that will be suitable for a range of ages. You can look forward to a whole host of themed areas and attractions. If the launch video is anything to go by, you could see the likes of Frozen’s Elsa and Anna appearing in a Nordic-inspired kingdom of Arendale, and the tropical planet, Pandora, from Avatar. There’ll also be unique dining and retail options, as well as spellbinding light, water and fireworks shows around the iconic Disney castle, that you definitely won’t want to miss.

Which characters can we expect to see?

Disney enthusiasts should keep a watchful eye out for updates on Disney Abu Dhabi as it looks like this theme park is set to bring all of your favourite characters and franchises to life. For those who love the classic Disney movies, anticipate meeting the likes of Cinderella, Snow White and Mickey Mouse and friends, as well as beloved characters from The Lion King, Moana and Frozen. Other favorites teased in the launch video that could feature at the park include the Pixar blockbuster Zootropilis (Zootopia is the US version), with Officer Judy Hopps, her cunning friend Nick Wilde and the global superstar (at least in the movie) Gazelle. Action fans will be hoping to see appearances from Marvel, Avatar and Star Wars characters, like the heroic Iron Man and the lovable Grogu. The park may even feature a National Geographic section, where you can watch an array of exotic animals, including those endemic to Arabia, roam freely.

What other attractions are there in Abu Dhabi?

While the arrival of Disney may add an extra touch of magic to Abu Dhabi holidays, the capital of the UAE is already a fun-packed wonderland, with an array of epic attractions waiting to be discovered. Yas Island, located 20-minutes away from the city centre, is the main entertainment and leisure hub and boasts the likes of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park and Yas Marina Circuit, which is home to the electrifying Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™. There’s also Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, which promises its own exciting prospects with the upcoming addition of Harry Potter World. Also situated on Yas Island is CLYMB™, the home of the world's tallest indoor flight chamber and indoor climbing wall. This hive of excitement is found inside Yas Mall, the largest retail venue of its kind in Abu Dhabi. Here, you can shop till you drop with luxury and high-street brands, and also enjoy the family entertainment zones, Fun Works and KidZania.

There’s plenty more thrills to be discovered across Abu Dhabi, especially in the Arabian Desert, where you can experience traditional camel riding and Bedouin-style camping at the Jebel Hafit Desert Park, as well as jeep safaris, quad biking and sand boarding. You can also relax on a pristine golden-sand beach, with Abu Dhabi home to a number of Blue Flag-certified stretches that offer an array of luxury facilities. Head to a beach club for exceptional dining, tasty beverages, glistening swimming pools, good music and unforgettable views of the Arabian Gulf. You can also enjoy visits to museums, mosques and waterparks on your action-packed Abu Dhabi holiday.

Where can I stay in Abu Dhabi to be close to the action?

Disney Abu Dhabi is sure to bring with it an assortment of imaginative themed resorts to tempt visitors looking for easy access to the park. However, with a variety of hotels already on Yas Island and so much more to this location than just Disney, you might decide to put yourself at the heart of the action. For direct access to Yas Beach, serene spa facilities and two rooftop swimming pools, W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island is the perfect place for you, while at the Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island you can relax in its beach club, where you’ll be treated to delectable dining delights from around the world. The Hilton also provides free access for guests to Yas Island’s Theme Park, which includes Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, as do those staying at The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton *. There’s many other options for luxury and amazing amenities across this emirate, including the 5-star Beach Rotana, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and InterContinental Abu Dhabi .

*Terms and conditions apply.

What’s the weather like?

Holidaymakers travelling to Abu Dhabi are in luck, as this is an exceptional destination boasting sublime weather conditions all year round. October to April is the best time to visit due to temperatures remaining at a wonderfully pleasant average of 25℃, creating conditions perfect for families to enjoy outdoor activities, including visiting theme parks like highly anticipated Disney Abu Dhabi. May to September sees temperatures rise to the high-30s and low-40s, which can be hot for some. Many of Abu Dhabi's theme parks have air conditioning in their indoor areas which you can use to keep cool. Ensure you remain hydrated, but with all of the inviting restaurants and cafés that are due to open in Disney Abu Dhabi, this will be more than easy. Sun cream, hats and loose clothing will also help to make your holiday in Abu Dhabi unlike any other.