From Disney and Harry Potter to Sphere and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is getting ready for a serious glow-up, and there are some very big things on the horizon.
From a Disney theme park bringing a little extra magic to Yas Island and a Harry Potter expansion at Warner Bros. World to the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the capital’s attraction list is about to get a whole lot longer.
And that’s not all. Sphere Abu Dhabi is on the way, a brand-new performing arts destination is in the works, and plenty more ambitious projects are taking shape across the emirate.
Basically, if you thought Abu Dhabi was already impressive, you haven’t seen anything yet. Here are the projects worth keeping on your radar.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Cultural District
One of Abu Dhabi’s biggest cultural projects is finally approaching its grand opening. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will open on 11 December 2026, adding another major institution to Saadiyat Cultural District.
Designed by the late Frank Gehry, the striking museum will focus on modern and contemporary art from around the world, while placing particular emphasis on connections between different cultures and regions.
The building will feature 30 galleries, a central atrium and ten dramatic sculptural cones. It will join Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena as part of the growing cultural district.
Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi
Near Saadiyat Cultural District
A major new chapter for Abu Dhabi’s performing arts scene is also taking shape with Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, or House of the Arts.
Scheduled to open in 2030, the new venue is being developed as a home for year-round performances spanning opera, ballet, theatre and live entertainment.
Beyond its programme of shows, the project is designed to support artistic residencies, international collaborations and opportunities for Emirati and regional creatives.
It promises to add another important cultural destination to the capital, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for arts, performance and creative exchange.
Disney Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
Disney magic is officially heading to Abu Dhabi, with The Walt Disney Company and Miral planning a huge new theme park resort on Yas Island.
Set on the waterfront, the destination will be Disney’s seventh theme park resort worldwide, blending much-loved characters and stories with Abu Dhabi’s culture, architecture and coastal setting.
The resort is expected to feature immersive attractions, themed accommodation, restaurants, shops and entertainment, with Disney Imagineers leading the creative design.
Miral will develop and operate the resort, which is set to add another major draw to Yas Island’s already impressive entertainment line-up.
You might also like: Go behind the scenes of Disney Abu Dhabi as its exciting plans are revealed in a new documentary
Harry Potter Land at Warner Bros. World
Yas Island
Harry Potter fans have plenty to look forward to, with the Wizarding World set to get its own dedicated land at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
The expansion is expected to include Hogwarts Castle and Diagon Alley, bringing two of the franchise’s most recognisable locations together in one destination.
Three rides and attractions, along with dining and shopping experiences, are currently listed for the new land.
The project is still under development and there is no confirmed opening date yet, so fans will have to wait for more details.
Sphere Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
Yas Island is set to welcome one of its most ambitious new landmarks with Sphere Abu Dhabi.
The first Sphere venue outside the United States, the project will be built between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, surrounded by landscaped green spaces and close to the island’s major attractions.
The development has a construction-phase cost of US$1.7 billion, with work expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Known for its enormous immersive displays and cutting-edge entertainment technology, Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to bring a completely new type of live experience to the capital.
