The Department of Tourism Abu Dhabi has welcomed Walt Disney Co’s just announced plans to develop its first Middle East theme park at Yas Island. It’s a landmark project that solidifies the Emirate’s position as a leading global tourism destination, it says. The project represents a major investment in the region’s tourism infrastructure.

CEO Bob Iger said the company's "imagineers" have already started designing the park, but he declined to say when it would open.