For decades, Orlando has reigned as the global capital of theme parks — a place where Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and countless other attractions have drawn millions of visitors.

But a challenger for the crown has emerged from an unlikely place: the deserts of the Arabian Gulf. In a destination once known more for oil wealth and camel racing than roller coasters, Abu Dhabi is building an adrenaline-charged playground that could give Orlando a run for its money.

In May 2025, when Disney announced its first new theme park in 15 years, it chose Abu Dhabi over other key theme park destinations in California, Japan and even Orlando.

There was “no question,” says Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences. The UAE capital is already home to Ferrari World, with the world’s fastest roller coaster; Warner Bros. World; Yas Waterworld, an epic network of slides and pools; and SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi, expected to open on Yas Island in the early 2030s, will be the company’s most technologically advanced park ever. Renderings show a shimmering, futuristic tower at its center — more closely resembling Abu Dhabi’s gleaming skyline than a traditional European castle.

The theme park will be developed, built and operated by Miral, the Abu Dhabi company behind Yas Island’s roster of other attractions. Disney Imagineers will handle creative design and operational oversight, making sure the new park is in keeping with Disney’s brand.

Miral’s CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, says demand already exists: 2024 saw a 20% rise in theme park attendance on Yas Island. Expansion is already in the works — a Harry Potter–themed land at Warner Bros. World, more record-breaking rides at Ferrari World, new themed hotels, and two beaches along Yas Bay Waterfront.

Abu Dhabi currently offers a smoother alternative to the U.S. Many nationalities can enter the UAE visa-free or with an e-visa, and the capital’s airport — currently being expanded — has a reputation for fast border processing and easy connections.

Despite wider regional tensions, Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a safe, reliable tourism hub. The UAE ranked high on the 2024 Global Peace Index.

Once on Yas Island, visitors experience indoor, climate-controlled attractions, shorter lines, and a level of sophistication not typically associated with theme parks.

Orlando may have Florida sunshine, but in summer it also has humidity and crowds. Temperatures still soar in Abu Dhabi, but its climate-controlled indoor parks keep the experience consistent no matter what’s happening outside.

Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World are entirely enclosed, with air-conditioned walkways and restaurants, and even SeaWorld’s aquariums and animal experiences are under cover.

(SD-Agencies)

数十年来，奥兰多始终是公认的全球主题公园之都 —— 迪士尼、环球影城、海洋世界及无数景点吸引着数百万游客。但如今，一位意想不到挑战者正在阿拉伯湾的沙漠地带崛起。在这片昔日以石油财富和骆驼赛跑闻名的土地上，阿布扎比正在建造一个肾上腺素飙升的游乐王国，或将撼动奥兰多的霸主地位。

2025年5月，迪士尼宣布十五年来首座全新主题公园时，毅然选择了阿布扎比，而非加利福尼亚、日本或者奥兰多等传统主题公园重镇。迪士尼体验事业部主席乔什•达阿马罗坦言这是个“毋庸置疑的选择”。目前，阿联酋首都坐拥全球最快过山车的法拉利主题公园、华纳兄弟主题乐园、拥有史诗级滑道与水网系统的亚斯水世界，以及海洋世界阿布扎比分馆。

计划于2030年代初在亚斯岛揭幕的迪士尼阿布扎比乐园将成为该公司史上科技含量最高的主题公园。设计图显示其核心将矗立一座流光溢彩的未来之塔 —— 相较于传统欧式城堡，更贴近阿布扎比熠熠生辉的城市天际线。该乐园将由亚斯岛众多景点的打造者、阿布扎比本土企业米拉尔公司全权负责开发、建造与运营。迪士尼梦幻工程师团队将主导创意设计与运营监管，确保新乐园延续迪士尼品牌基因。

米拉尔首席执行官穆罕默德•阿卜杜拉•阿尔扎比透露市场需求已然显现：2024年亚斯岛主题公园客流量激增20%。扩建计划已在推进中——华纳兄弟乐园将增设哈利波特园区，法拉利世界正打造更多破纪录的骑乘设施，新建主题酒店，以及亚斯湾海滨的两处沙滩。

相较于美国，阿布扎比提供了更便捷的旅行体验。多数国籍旅客可免签或电子签入境阿联酋，正在扩建的首都机场以快速通关和中转便捷著称。尽管地区局势紧张，阿布扎比持续塑造安全可靠的旅游城市形象，阿联酋在2024年全球和平指数中排名靠前。

置身亚斯岛，游客可体验恒温室内景点、更短的排队时间，以及超越传统主题公园的高级体验。奥兰多虽有佛罗里达的阳光，但夏季的潮湿与人潮亦如影随形。阿布扎比气温虽高，但恒温室内乐园确保无论外界如何变化，游玩体验始终如一。华纳兄弟世界与法拉利世界全程室内运营，连廊与餐厅均配备空调系统，甚至海洋世界的水族馆与动物互动区也全程遮阳避暑。(Translated by DeepSeek)