Will Disney Abu Dhabi be indoors or outdoors?
Because, let's face it – as much as we love Mickey-shaped ice creams and singing Let It Go under the sun, Abu Dhabi's summer doesn't mess around. With temps soaring past 50°C, even Olaf might reconsider his eternal love for summer.
So… what's the plan?
Will Disney Abu Dhabi be outdoors or indoors?
It's (sort of) outdoors – but also indoors. Basically, it's magic. The answer, like any good Disney plot twist, isn't so straightforward.
According to Disney Parks boss Josh D'Amaro, the new Yas Island mega-project will be a hybrid, combining the best of indoor comfort with outdoor charm. They're being very ambitious, architecture, tech and water are all coming into play – which sounds like there might be a splash of Moana inspiration involved.
Here's the kicker: the park is being built right up against the water. Think cool breezes, waterfront vistas and, who knows – maybe even an indoor-outdoor castle that literally lets the sea into the storyline.
Miral Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi added that, like other Yas Island hits (hi, Warner Bros. World), Disney will be indoors, but he also called it the most advanced park in the Disney portfolio. So expect something completely new – and 100 percent air-conditioned.
So, when can we go? Not tomorrow, unfortunately. With a timeline of up to two years for design and another four to six for construction, we're looking at a 2030 to 2032 opening. But we've waited 100 years for Disney to come to the UAE – what's a few more?
Until then, we'll keep dreaming of those castle selfies, futuristic rides and Emirati-inspired storylines (yes, those are happening too).
One thing's for sure – whether indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between – Disney Abu Dhabi will be cooler than cool. Literally.
All about Disney Abu Dhabi
7 things we know about the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi
It's going to be magical – and massive
This is when Disney Abu Dhabi is likely to open
A Disney official has shared a rough timeline
Three key ways the new Disney theme park will change Abu Dhabi
A whole new world indeed
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Get up to 9-day break around UAE's Eid Al Etihad holiday; here's how
6 Aug 2025 00:23 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)For readers who like to plan early, Eid Al Etihad – UAE's National Day holiday – offers a prime opportunity to enjoy an extended festive break. This year, the official public holidays fall on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December some smart leave planning, it is possible to convert those mid-week days into a nine-day holiday by applying for leave on December 1, 4 and 5. This would mean a continuous break from Saturday, November 29 through Sunday, December 7 – an ideal window for a staycation, domestic exploration, or family for the celebration were announced on Union Pledge Day, marked on July 18, which commemorates the original signing of the UAE's Declaration of Union in 1971. The Eid Al Etihad programme is being led by the UAE Government Media Office, with Eisa Alsubousi, Director of Strategic and Creative Affairs, confirming that this year's theme will focus on partnership, inclusion, and shared national identity. Although the exact venue for the official national celebration has not yet been confirmed, it is expected to be staged at a nationally significant landmark. Last year's ceremony was hosted at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, and similarly, a prominent natural or cultural location is likely to be chosen for this year's main event. The ceremony typically features a high production show that combines storytelling, performances, technology, and national addition to the main event, various zones across all seven emirates will be activated as part of Eid Al Etihad celebrations. These zones will offer live entertainment, fireworks displays, cultural performances, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Fireworks are expected at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi like every year. In addition, several locations such as JBR Beach, Al Seef, Dubai Festival City, Dubai South, and Hatta in Dubai, as well as in the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. In Global Village, fireworks and themed entertainment will run every night from November 29 to December elements will feature heavily, with traditional dance and musical performances, Emirati cuisine, heritage installations, and exhibitions all planned. Drone light shows and projection mapping on landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa will be part of the visual spectacle, along with themed audio experiences and community-led are also expected to implement safety protocols in line with those enforced during previous years. These include a ban on unauthorised vehicle parades, prohibited use of car spray foam and noise horns, and a requirement to keep vehicle number plates visible at all times. Decorations must be respectful and avoid obstructing the driver's view, and only officially sanctioned UAE flags or scarves should be displayed on vehicles. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that violations will be met with appropriate penalties, and that public safety will remain a top priority throughout the looking to make the most of the break by maximising their time off, applying in advance. This makes the 2025 edition of Eid Al Etihad a particularly attractive moment to travel, unwind or spend quality time attending the wide range of public events on details about the main ceremony location, full events calendar, and related offers or initiatives will be announced by the authorities in the coming weeks. Residents are advised to follow official updates from the UAE Government Media Office and related channels. The 54th anniversary of the UAE's founding is shaping up to be a national milestone rich in colour, symbolism and participation, offering a memorable end to the year for those who prepare early.
Dubai Eye
17 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Bobescui, has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, alongside Moldovan and Emirati delegates during his official visit to the UAE. The tour comes a day after the UAE and Moldova signed a mutual waiver of entry visas to facilitate tourism and business exchange. Bobescui, accompanied by Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, toured the halls and external corridors, and was briefed about the mosque's message of coexistence and tolerance. The tour also showcased the mosque's unique collections, showcasing the finest art and architectural designs from Islamic civilisation throughout the ages. Bobescui also visited the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. At the end of the tour, he was presented with a copy of the book Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Stream of Peace that highlights the mosque's architectural art through a collection of photos that won the "Spaces of Light" award.
Al Etihad
18 hours ago
- Al Etihad
In collaboration with Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Emirates Foundation opens registration for Misrah initiative to nurture heritage values
5 Aug 2025 11:38 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Emirates Foundation has opened registration for Misrah, a national initiative led by Active Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, which aims to empower a conscious generation of youth through a transformative heritage and physical experience rooted in authentic Emirati to officially launch on August 21, 2025, Misrah invites UAE citizens and residents aged 18 to 25 to apply and compete for a chance to be among 100 participants who will embark on a 1,000-kilometre heritage trek across the UAE traditional modes of transportation including camel, the journey will challenge participants both physically and will be delivered in collaboration with a host of partners including Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Department of Community Development, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Ministry of Defense, Nafis Program, Abu Dhabi News Network, National Search and Rescue Center, PureHealth, Abu Dhabi Media, National Library and Archives, Federal Geographic Information Center, National Media Office, and Abu Dhabi Police, alongside several academic institutions and private sector immersive experience is designed to promote physical fitness, deepen understanding of Emirati heritage and traditional craftsmanship, and foster a meaningful connection to local culture in all its authentic detail, while reinforcing national identity and a strong sense of one-of-a-kind initiative will unfold over two training phases. In the first phase, 500 young men and women, selected from the applicant pool, will receive training in Abu Dhabi on the fundamentals of camel riding, Emirati traditional crafts, and folk training programme will be overseen by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority to ensure the content reflects the authenticity and cultural richness of Emirati heritage, with expert-led sessions that preserve traditional knowledge and practices. Sessions will host 60 participants per day, held four days a week from 4pm to 8pm, and will run until October the end of this phase, 100 participants will be chosen to advance to the second stage, comprising of a 1,000-kilometre heritage trek across the UAE Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Active Abu Dhabi, said: 'Misrah marks an inspiring milestone in our continued efforts to empower youth and reinforce their connection to national identity. We are proud to open registration for this unique cultural journey that blends physical challenge with deep-rooted Emirati pride. We encourage young citizens and residents to take part in this exceptional experience, which will help shape their character, enhance their skills, and deepen their appreciation for the richness of Emirati heritage.' The Misrah initiative features a diverse set of practical and theoretical modules designed to immerse participants in authentic Emirati heritage, including the care and training of camels, camel riding, the use of traditional tools, traditional performances, coffee preparation, and oral storytelling. Participants will be divided into three groups, each consisting of 20 young individuals, rotating through three core learning stations: The Coffee House, Folk Arts Workshops, and Camel Pastures. Each group will spend one hour at each station, ensuring a well-rounded and equally distributed learning experience that combines cultural immersion with practical engagement. To apply and learn more about Misrah, interested individuals can visit the website: Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
