Disneyland Abu Dhabi Castle to Feature Water in Design for First Time

Abu Dhabi, UAE - September 11, 2025 - Disney has unveiled exciting new details about its upcoming theme park in the UAE capital, revealing that for the first time ever, water will be incorporated directly into the design of its iconic Disney castle. This groundbreaking feature will debut at Disneyland Abu Dhabi, bringing a completely new experience to fans in the Middle East and beyond.

The castle, set to rise on Yas Island, will blend Disney’s signature storytelling with the cultural spirit and coastal beauty of Abu Dhabi, reflecting the city’s unique connection to the sea.

A Landmark First for Disney

In a recent episode of Disney’s We Call It Imagineering YouTube series, Zach Riddley, Senior Vice President of Global Creative Strategy at Walt Disney Imagineering, confirmed that the Abu Dhabi castle will be unlike any other in the world.

“One of the first decisions we made as a company was to think we’re going to create a castle park here, a park that’s based on our Magic Kingdom style of storytelling,” said Riddley. “Abu Dhabi is a city on the water and so we’re really excited about being able to incorporate water for the first time in the design of one of our castles.”

While Disney has yet to reveal which character or story will inspire the castle, speculation among fans is already running high. Whatever the theme, this new design marks a major milestone for Disney parks worldwide, introducing a dramatic architectural element never before seen in a Disney castle.

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Blending Disney Magic with Emirati Culture

Disney CEO Bob Iger previously described the new park as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” echoing the company’s approach to Shanghai Disneyland, which was designed to reflect both Disney magic and Chinese cultural heritage.

Yas Island, just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and around 50 minutes from Dubai, has become a world-class entertainment hub. It already houses attractions such as Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Ferrari World. The addition of Disneyland Abu Dhabi will further solidify the island’s reputation as a premier global destination for family entertainment.

While specific themes for the park have not yet been revealed, Disney has confirmed its commitment to integrating local culture, storytelling, and architecture into the park’s design. Visitors can also expect climate-controlled comfort throughout the resort, with air-conditioned indoor rides, shaded walkways, and enclosed attractions similar to existing Yas Island venues ensuring an enjoyable experience even during the peak summer months.

Timeline and Construction

Although an official opening date has not been announced, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, told Reuters that a project of this scale typically involves one to two years of design work, followed by four to six years of construction.

If the project proceeds on schedule, Disneyland Abu Dhabi could welcome its first visitors as early as 2032 or 2033. This timeline aligns with other large-scale Disney parks developed worldwide.

A Castle That Reflects Abu Dhabi

The announcement that water will play a central role in the castle’s design sets Disneyland Abu Dhabi apart from every other Disney park globally. This innovative concept symbolizes Abu Dhabi’s unique identity as a city built on the water and steeped in history, culture, and storytelling.

For Disney fans, the project represents more than just a new theme park, it’s the first Disney destination in the Middle East and a landmark moment for the region. The integration of water into the castle design underscores Disney’s commitment to creating experiences that are both globally iconic and locally inspired.