A fresh documentary sheds light on the ambitious plans of Disney to create a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, which marks the corporation’s first venture into the Middle East. The film, titled *Disney Worldbuilders*, reveals how executives are reimagining the classic theme park layout from the 1950s by integrating the natural environment into the park’s design and narrative.
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The new park is set to draw inspiration from the unique landscapes of Abu Dhabi, such as its coral reefs and expansive deserts, which will play a significant role in how the park is structured and how stories are told. This innovative approach aims to reflect the authenticity of the region while providing an immersive experience for visitors.
*Disney Worldbuilders*, which premiered on Disney+, offers viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the planning that goes into such ambitious projects. The documentary features insights from some of Disney’s leading creative minds, including Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige, Lucasfilm’s Jon Favreau, and Pixar’s Pete Docter. It underscores the company’s effort to translate beloved characters and narratives into detailed attractions around the globe.
Among the intriguing moments captured in the documentary is a meeting between Disney executives—including former CEO Bob Iger and current CEO Josh D’Amaro—and representatives from the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Here, Tom Fitzgerald, the executive creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering, presents foundational concepts for organising the park, referencing time-honoured areas such as “Main Street USA” and “Fantasyland.”
As the presentation advances, the executives are introduced to the inspirational elements for the Abu Dhabi park, portrayed through various images showcasing the geographical diversity of the region—from vibrant coral reefs to arid landscapes and bustling city skylines. Fitzgerald reflects on the storytelling potential anchored in these settings, emphasising that compelling narratives inherently require a strong sense of place.
Leslie Iwerks, the director behind *Disney Worldbuilders*, was present during these significant discussions. She expressed her excitement about the project and what it could mean for the future of Disney theme parks, stating, “The energy was very exciting. The opportunities for all these outlets, these brands, these stories are endless.”
Iwerks compared her experience at the construction site of the new park to a formative moment in Disney history, relating it to the sentiment Walt Disney must have felt when envisioning Disneyland’s creation amidst orange groves. “To be with Bob on the plot of land that’s going to be a new park was a really cool, full circle moment for me,” she said.
Initially announced in May 2025, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is poised to be the seventh Disney theme park resort globally, reflecting a significant step for the brand as it expands its reach. Shanghai Disneyland, which opened in 2016, was the last addition prior to this upcoming park.
The project will be collaboratively developed with Miral Group, a prominent firm specializing in immersive entertainment experiences in the region. Disney’s renowned Imagineers are tasked with overseeing the park’s creative design and its operational framework, ensuring that the creative vision aligns with both Disney’s legacy and the unique cultural context of Abu Dhabi.
D’Amaro remarked in an interview that the scale of this undertaking could result in a design phase lasting one to two years, followed by a construction period extending four to six years, which suggests a long-term investment intended to cultivate a truly exceptional attraction.
The combination of cutting-edge storytelling and the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi presents an enticing prospect for future visitors, as Disney looks to create a theme park that not only entertains but also resonates with the local landscape and culture. Full details on the planned attractions and experiences are yet to be unveiled, but there is palpable anticipation surrounding this exciting development.