Thinking about a vacation to Disneyland? Soon, you won’t have to travel anywhere — no passports or long flights — as a Disney theme park and resort will be coming to Abu Dhabi.
With the world of Disney just a drive away, many UAE residents are expected to opt for a staycation over trips to France, Hong Kong, or the US. The news is already generating excitement among travel enthusiasts and residents across the UAE.
“Disneyland is one of the most preferred destinations not just for UAE residents but for people across the GCC,” said Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel Services (ITS) LLC.
“Right now, many clients ask about Disneyland in France first, followed by Hong Kong and the US. But once we have one here in Abu Dhabi, it’ll be a game-changer. Families will choose to spend a few days at the park, turning it into the perfect staycation,” added Raja.
According to travel industry executives, the upcoming theme park is expected to attract not just UAE residents but also visitors from nearby countries and regions such as the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Russia, and the Caucasus.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, explained how popular Disneyland is among all nationalities in the UAE. “Everyone loves it — kids, adults, and tourists. Families want their children to meet their favourite Disney characters in real life. The excitement is huge,” he said.
However, the UAE’s hot summer weather might be a challenge. “Many Disney attractions, like parades, are outdoors. So it might be too hot in the summer. But during the winter, we expect ticket demand to go through the roof, just like how it happens with the Museum of the Future,” added Subair.
He also pointed out that getting a visa to France, where the nearest Disneyland is currently located for many UAE residents, can be difficult. In contrast, the UAE has a simpler tourist visa process and is geographically easier to reach for many.
“There’s already a lot of talk in the travel industry about Disneyland Abu Dhabi. We expect it to be a massive hit, especially once the unified GCC tourist visa comes into effect. It will be a must-visit for anyone coming to this region,” said Subair.
With Yas Island already popular for staycations, travel agents believe Disneyland will take local tourism to a new level. “Passports will no longer be needed for UAE families dreaming of Disney magic,” added Subair.
