Disney announces location of new theme park - set to be 'most advanced and interactive' yet
Disney has announced plans for a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, which will be its "most advanced and interactive" to date.
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The theme park, which will be the seventh Disney destination, will be located on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.
The proposed resort will offer Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that "celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi", according to Disney's press statement.
Disney already has six theme parks spanning North America, Europe and Asia, with its most recent opening in Shanghai in 2016.
Yas Island is 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai.
Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, said the park will be "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati".
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The resort will be Disney's "most advanced and interactive destination", said Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences.
He added: "This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development."
The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral, which is responsible for the development of Yas Island as a tourist destination and already operates SeaWorld and Warner Bros World.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said: "Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future.
"The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence."