Disney fans across the UAE and the wider Gulf region are set to get their first meaningful look at the future of Disneyland Abu Dhabi, thanks to a new Disney+ documentary that goes behind the scenes of the company’s most ambitious projects.
Disney Worldbuilders, a feature-length documentary directed by Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, will premiere at Disney’s D23 fan event on August 16 before streaming globally on Disney+ from August 20. The film explores how Disney transforms its most beloved stories into immersive theme park experiences and destinations around the world.
A First Look at Disneyland Abu Dhabi
For Gulf audiences, the biggest attraction will be the documentary’s focus on Disneyland Abu Dhabi, Disney’s seventh global resort and its first theme park destination in the Middle East. The project was announced in May 2025 and is currently being developed on Yas Island in partnership with Miral.
The trailer offers a glimpse of former Disney CEO Bob Iger visiting the future resort site, giving viewers one of the first behind-the-scenes looks at the landmark development. Standing on the project site, Iger shares a simple but powerful message:
“You have to dream big. You have to have a wild imagination.”
The footage appears to be from the same visit during which Iger posted photos from Abu Dhabi earlier this year, describing the project as an exciting journey with plenty of work still ahead.
Inside Disney’s Creative Engine
Beyond Abu Dhabi, Disney Worldbuilders takes viewers inside Disney Imagineering and the creative process behind some of the world’s most successful entertainment franchises. The documentary features interviews with major Disney and Hollywood figures including Josh D’Amaro, James Cameron, Kevin Feige, Jon Favreau, Jennifer Lee, Pete Docter and Dave Filoni.
The film examines how blockbuster brands such as Star Wars, Avatar, Marvel, Pixar, Frozen and Zootopia evolve from film and television into world-class attractions, lands and experiences enjoyed by millions of visitors.
A Landmark Project for Abu Dhabi
Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to become one of the most significant tourism and entertainment projects ever undertaken in the region. Developed under Disney’s “capital-light” model, the resort will be fully funded, built and operated by Miral, while Disney leads the creative development and oversees brand standards.
The destination will feature themed accommodation, dining experiences, retail outlets and entertainment offerings, all designed to deliver Disney’s signature storytelling while celebrating local culture. Disney has described the project as being”authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
Disney’s Most Advanced Resort Yet
Company executives have repeatedly highlighted the technological ambition behind the development. Disney has described the Abu Dhabi resort as its most advanced and interactive destination to date, incorporating next-generation attractions and immersive experiences.
While no official opening date has been announced, Disney executives have previously indicated that the project will require several years of design and construction, making an opening in the early 2030s the most likely scenario.
Until construction progresses further, Disney Worldbuilders offers the closest view yet of the ideas, imagination and planning behind what could become one of the Middle East’s most iconic entertainment destinations. For Disney fans, tourism stakeholders and UAE residents alike, the documentary provides an exciting preview of a project that is expected to transform Yas Island’s global appeal for decades to come.
