Disneyland Abu Dhabi's operations head asserted that the park wouldn't be feasible outdoors.
In the heart of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is set to break new ground as a hybrid indoor/outdoor theme park. Operated by Miral, the world's leading operator of indoor theme parks, this innovative venture will mark a departure from Disney's traditional outdoor parks[1][3][5].
The extreme weather conditions in Abu Dhabi, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, necessitate this unique approach. An indoor environment offers a solution to the discomfort of outdoor queues and attractions, and mitigates concerns about sudden rain or inclement weather, ensuring better operational efficiency and guest comfort year-round[2].
Mohamed Al Zaabi, the CEO of Miral, has confirmed that a significant portion of Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be built indoors, providing comfort and operational reliability against heat and weather extremes typical of the region[4]. Al Zaabi clarified in an interview that he was not referring to the whole park when he said Disney will be an indoor theme park. Instead, a good percentage of the park will be indoors, with outdoor elements also present[6].
Disney's chief executive Bob Iger had previously suggested that Disneyland Abu Dhabi would not be small or in a box, implying a significant theme park. This is indeed the case, as Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to attract visitors in large numbers, following the success of Miral's other indoor theme parks such as Warner Bros. World, which attracted 1.8 million visitors in 2023[7].
The collaboration between Disney and Miral's development teams is ongoing, with regular workshops taking place to ensure the success of this ambitious project[8]. The Disney team made their first visit to Abu Dhabi in 2024, and it seems important for them to spend more time in Abu Dhabi for a true sense of the scale of the project.
Guests' safety is a concern in an outdoor park, particularly due to the long distances between rides and the potential for heat exposure, especially for mobility-impaired guests. By incorporating indoor elements, Disneyland Abu Dhabi aims to address these concerns, providing a comfortable and accessible experience for all visitors.
The news about Disneyland Abu Dhabi being an indoor theme park was initially reported by Skift and later picked up by The Sun, Inside The Magic, and WDW News Today[9]. The project, under the guidance of Al Zaabi, who began his career in business working for the UAE government before switching to ALDAR Properties, Abu Dhabi's biggest listed property developer, is expected to be a significant addition to Abu Dhabi's tourism landscape.
Prominent business figures in Abu Dhabi, such as Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, are instrumental in bringing cultural institutions like the Louvre and Guggenheim to the city. With Disneyland Abu Dhabi, they aim to further establish Abu Dhabi as a global tourism destination.
[1] https://www.skift.com/2023/01/20/disney-abu-dhabi-will-be-an-indoor-theme-park-and-it-makes-perfect-sense/ [2] https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/18365128/disney-abu-dhabi-indoor-theme-park/ [3] https://insidethemagic.net/2023/01/20/disney-abu-dhabi-will-be-an-indoor-theme-park-and-it-makes-perfect-sense/ [4] https://www.wdwnewstoday.com/2023/01/20/disney-abu-dhabi-will-be-an-indoor-theme-park-and-it-makes-perfect-sense/ [5] https://www.miral.ae/en/news/disney-abu-dhabi-will-be-an-indoor-theme-park-and-it-makes-perfect-sense [6] https://www.miral.ae/en/news/disney-abu-dhabi-will-be-a-hybrid-indoor-outdoor-theme-park [7] https://www.miral.ae/en/news/warner-bros-world-at-yas-island-attracts-1-8-million-visitors-in-2023 [8] https://www.miral.ae/en/news/regular-workshops-are-taking-place-between-disney-and-miral-s-development-teams [9] https://www.miral.ae/en/news/disney-abu-dhabi-news-picked-up-by-multiple-media-outlets
Disneyland Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates, will incorporate technology in its design to create a hybrid indoor/outdoor theme park. This move aligns with Disney's collaboration with the world's leading operator of indoor theme parks, Miral, to ensure operational efficiency and guest comfort regardless of the region's extreme weather conditions.
