Disney Teases Emirati Heritage Research for Abu Dhabi Theme Park with Al Ain Oasis and Qasr Al Hosn Footage

Footage showcasing the Disney team visiting Al Ain Oasis and Qasr Al Hosn was recently shared at Disney's annual D23 convention. Although the exact timing of the visits remains unclear, the footage hints at potential research into the culture, heritage, and architecture of the UAE for the upcoming theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi. While Disney has not officially confirmed whether these landmarks will directly inspire specific attractions or themed lands, former Disney chief executive Bob Iger previously stated that the park would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati” upon its initial announcement.

The video was featured at the fan convention in California, displayed throughout the weekend within the Imagineering pavilion. Imagineers—creative and technical designers responsible for building Disney theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships—are leading the creative design and providing operational oversight for the Abu Dhabi project, which is being developed and built by Abu Dhabi entertainment company Miral.

The short clip features members of the team exploring Al Ain Oasis and standing before the distinctive double-storey arches of Qasr Al Hosn, an Abu Dhabi fort and landmark originally constructed in 1761. These site visits provide an early look into how Disney is approaching the design of its first Middle Eastern theme park, announced in May 2025. The company has emphasized that the resort will blend contemporary architecture and cutting-edge technology with the unique character of Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain Oasis offers designers a profound connection to the emirate's ancient history, covering approximately 1,200 hectares with about 147,000 date palms and over 100 varieties of vegetation. With settlements dating back around 4,000 years, the oasis is notably recognized for its traditional falaj irrigation system, utilizing underground and surface channels to transport water from the mountains. Furthermore, Al Ain's oases have been designated as part of a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2011 alongside other local archaeological sites.

The team's second stop, Qasr Al Hosn, holds immense historical significance as the oldest surviving building in the capital, tracing its origins to a watchtower built in the 1790s. The site eventually expanded into a fort that served as the home of the ruling Al Nahyan family and the seat of government. Following a comprehensive conservation initiative, the complex—comprising the Inner Fort and Outer Palace—reopened as a museum in 2018, offering a distinct architectural contrast to modern Abu Dhabi.

Set to be built on the waterfront along Yas Island, this destination will become Disney's seventh theme park resort globally, joining existing locations in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. While the exact opening date and specific lands remain unannounced, executives from both Disney and Miral have highlighted that the resort will brilliantly merge local heritage with innovative design.