If you’re excited about the upcoming Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi, there’s more magical news to look forward to.

For the first time in Disney’s history, its iconic castle will be designed with water as a central feature, according to Zach Riddley, Senior VP of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Speaking on Disney’s We Call It Imagineering YouTube series, Riddley shared how Abu Dhabi’s location inspired the unique design.

“Abu Dhabi is a city on the water, and so we’re really excited about being able to incorporate water for the first time in the design of one of our castles,” he said.

The UAE capital will become the seventh city in the world to host a Disneyland, joining Orlando, Anaheim, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The project is being developed by Miral on Yas Island, while Disney Imagineers are leading the creative design.

When Disney Theme Park Resort Abu Dhabi was announced in May 2025, the company promised it would be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”

The final theme of the castle hasn’t been revealed yet, but fans are already speculating which Disney story could inspire the water-themed design.

Earlier this year, Disney leaders teased the ambitious scope of the Abu Dhabi park:

• Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said the UAE castle would be “unlike anything we’ve ever created,” showcasing groundbreaking design and technology.
• Disney CEO Bob Iger promised it would be “the most technologically advanced theme park ever built.”

The excitement is building, and all eyes are now on Abu Dhabi as it prepares to bring Disney magic to the Middle East for the very first time.