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) 數十年來，奧蘭多始終是公認的全球主題公園之都 —— 迪士尼、環球影城、海洋世界及無數景點吸引著數百萬游客。但如今，一位意想不到挑戰者正在阿拉伯灣的沙漠地帶崛起。在這片昔日以石油財富和駱駝賽跑聞名的土地上，阿布扎比正在建造一個腎上腺素飆升的游樂王國，或將撼動奧蘭多的霸主地位。 2025年5月，迪士尼宣布十五年來首座全新主題公園時，毅然選擇了阿布扎比，而非加利福尼亞、日本或者奧蘭多等傳統主題公園重鎮。迪士尼體驗事業部主席喬什?達阿馬羅坦言這是個“毋庸置疑的選擇”。目前，阿聯酋首都坐擁全球最快過山車的法拉利主題公園、華納兄弟主題樂園、擁有史詩級滑道與水網系統的亞斯水世界，以及海洋世界阿布扎比分館。 計劃于2030年代初在亞斯島揭幕的迪士尼阿布扎比樂園將成為該公司史上科技含量最高的主題公園。設計圖顯示其核心將矗立一座流光溢彩的未來之塔 —— 相較于傳統歐式城堡，更貼近阿布扎比熠熠生輝的城市天際線。該樂園將由亞斯島眾多景點的打造者、阿布扎比本土企業米拉爾公司全權負責開發、建造與運營。迪士尼夢幻工程師團隊將主導創意設計與運營監管，確保新樂園延續迪士尼品牌基因。 米拉爾首席執行官穆罕默德?阿卜杜拉?阿爾扎比透露市場需求已然顯現：2024年亞斯島主題公園客流量激增20%。擴建計劃已在推進中——華納兄弟樂園將增設哈利波特園區，法拉利世界正打造更多破紀錄的騎乘設施，新建主題酒店，以及亞斯灣海濱的兩處沙灘。 相較于美國，阿布扎比提供了更便捷的旅行體驗。多數國籍旅客可免簽或電子簽入境阿聯酋，正在擴建的首都機場以快速通關和中轉便捷著稱。盡管地區局勢緊張，阿布扎比持續塑造安全可靠的旅游城市形象，阿聯酋在2024年全球和平指數中排名靠前。 置身亞斯島，游客可體驗恒溫室內景點、更短的排隊時間，以及超越傳統主題公園的高級體驗。奧蘭多雖有佛羅里達的陽光，但夏季的潮濕與人潮亦如影隨形。阿布扎比氣溫雖高，但恒溫室內樂園確保無論外界如何變化，游玩體驗始終如一。華納兄弟世界與法拉利世界全程室內運營，連廊與餐廳均配備空調系統，甚至海洋世界的水族館與動物互動區也全程遮陽避暑。(Translated by DeepSeek) | 