Desert Safari Dubai Creates Lifelong Memories with Sunset Views Traditional Cuisine and Exciting Activities
If luxury is the way to see the desert in style, then the VIP Desert Safari is the one that stands out. Unlike the regular packages, VIP packages have special seating areas, private transfers, air-conditioned majlis, and direct waiter service. You won't have to wait in a line for food or have to share your space with crowds. Your premium experience is guaranteed with everything from dune bashing to camel riding and dinner served with elegance. For a peaceful, comfortable, and private mode of viewing the desert, this is your top pick.
No desert trip is complete without the adrenaline-spiking fun of Dune Buggy Dubai. It's just the right adventure for adventure-seekers who love speed and would love to drive the sand dunes themselves. With well-equipped, secure, and powerful buggies, you can drive the golden dunes like an expert. Tour operators offer safety equipment, instruction, and professional guidance, so beginners can have fun too. The open desert is your racing track, and the excitement is unparalleled.
In addition to the excitement, Desert Safari Dubai is also about experiencing local culture. At the desert camp, visitors are entertained with traditional performances like Tanoura dance, belly dancing, and fire displays. Henna painting, falcon photography, and authentic dress-up for photos give you a hands-on cultural experience. You get to savor a sumptuous buffet meal of Arabian and international fare while gazing up at the star-filled sky. The atmosphere is serene, and each instant is a reminder of the UAE's rich culture.
Selecting a VIP Desert Safari in Dubai translates to having everything taken care of. You'll be collected from your hotel in a luxury 4×4 vehicle and driven comfortably across the desert. You'll enjoy private lounges, VIP shisha service, and gourmet dining. With a private seating area, you'll be able to watch shows and dine without the pressure. It's adventure and sophistication combined that's great for couples, families, or anyone who'd like something more than an ordinary tour.
The popularity of Dune Buggy Dubai is increasing because it makes you the master of your own universe. While in dune bashing, a guide takes the wheel, here you are the one driving. That feeling of freedom, along with breathtaking desert landscapes, makes for an electrifying experience. Every buggy is built to take on the terrain, so you can drive with confidence over tough dunes. The speed rush, the sand drifting, and the bird's eye views make it one of the highlights of any desert adventure.
Safety is never a concern during Desert Safari Dubai tours. Regardless of whether you opt for dune bashing, camel rides, or a Dune Buggy Dubai tour, expert guides are with you each step of the way. Safety orientations, high-end vehicles, and safety equipment make it possible for everyone, including children, to have fun during the tour. Most VIP packages include family-specific plans with activities suitable for young travelers. This does not only make the desert safari exciting but a safe and enjoyable option for families.
Planning a birthday, anniversary, or proposal? The VIP Desert Safari in Dubai may be tailored to suit your special occasion. Tour operators provide decorated setups, private entertainment, and even fireworks on request. The breathtaking sunset on the dunes offers the best backdrops for memories that last a lifetime. With gourmet cuisine, private setups, and five-star service, your celebration will be taken to another level amidst the desert landscape.
Because of strong demand, it's smart to reserve your Dune Buggy Dubai tour ahead. Most operators provide packages ranging from brief 30-minute tours to longer outings. Early booking guarantees you the time slot and buggy type of your choice. It also provides you with access to combo packages for desert safaris and VIP tours. Be sure to use an authorized operator with excellent reviews to guarantee safety and quality service during the tour.
In a single memorable tour, you experience the excitement of dune bashing, the freedom to ride a Dune Buggy Dubai, and the luxury of a VIP Desert Safari. The grandeur of the golden dunes, the culture of the local tradition, and the thrill of adrenaline-pumping rides make this tour a must-experience in Dubai. Every visitor leaves with stories and memories that last a lifetime. So whether it's your first time or a return visit, the Dubai desert will always have something new for you.
What is included in a VIP Desert Safari in Dubai?
A VIP Desert Safari includes hotel pickup in a luxury car, private seating, gourmet buffet, personal waiter service, and front-row access to live shows.
Can kids accompany a Dune Buggy Dubai experience?
Kids under 16 years can't drive but are allowed to ride on an adult's buggy in a double-seater, with safety equipment and supervision.
Is Desert Safari Dubai suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, particularly with VIP options where dune bashing might be optional. Camp activities and cultural displays are comfortable and secure for all ages.
How long is a Desert Safari Dubai experience?
The average desert safari tour is 5 to 7 hours long, depending on the package and activities featured like camel rides, dinner, and entertainment.
What do I wear for Dune Buggy Dubai?
Light, breathable attire with closed footwear is what you should wear. Sunglasses and a headscarf are also advised to shield from sand and the sun.
Desert Safari Dubai is the ultimate blend of thrills, culture, and relaxation. From dune bashing across the sand in a Dune Buggy to indulgence in a VIP Desert Safari experience, every experience is designed to be memorable. Something for every kind of traveler—from adventure to culture enthusiasts—this desert adventure promises to go beyond your expectations. Don't wait. Make a booking now and discover why millions rave about it as the highlight of their Dubai tour.
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CNN
8 hours ago
- CNN
Watch out, Orlando, a new world theme park capital is rising in the Arabian desert
EDITOR'S NOTE: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. 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. And it just landed the ultimate weapon: Disney. 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, already home to Ferrari World, with the world's fastest roller coaster; Warner Bros. World (built under license by CNN's parent company, Warner Brothers Discovery); Yas Waterworld, an epic network of slides and pools; and more recently, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. It's clear the emirate is emerging as the most serious challenger Orlando has ever faced. 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. It will be the first Disney resort set on an accessible shoreline, located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. What began as a shared passion between two friends has grown into the "Abu Dhabi House Movement" — a fast-growing community redefining the city's music scene. Co-founder Tom Worton takes us inside this grassroots world, where music lovers, DJs, and cultural spaces collide. 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. And 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 even two beaches along Yas Bay Waterfront. Abu Dhabi's location, a medium-haul flight away from both Europe and Asia, and relatively short hop away from India, means millions of potential visitors are within relatively easy reach. 'This isn't about building another theme park,' Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Abu Dhabi's director general of tourism, told CNN. 'It's about defining Abu Dhabi as a global destination where culture, entertainment and luxury intersect.' Abu Dhabi's rise comes as Orlando and US tourism more broadly face headwinds. International travel to the US has slowed recently, with lengthy visa processes, unpredictable immigration checks, and heightened security scrutiny all blamed for deterring visitors. Abu Dhabi currently offers a smoother alternative to the US. 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 highly on the 2024 Global Peace Index. 'In times of uncertainty, people look for destinations they can trust,' Al Geziry added. Once on Yas Island, visitors experience indoor, climate-controlled attractions, shorter lines, and a level of sophistication not typically associated with theme parks. 'For families used to theme parks in the US or Europe, Abu Dhabi is a revelation,' says Steven Hopkinson, a British expatriate living in Abu Dhabi. 'You don't spend hours waiting in the heat, and everything feels more refined, more accessible, which is such a luxury when you're with small children.' 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. 'Compared to places like Florida, it's a different level of comfort,' said Ahmed El Khoury, a Palestinian expatriate and father of three. Despite the comparisons, Abu Dhabi isn't positioning itself as a direct rival to Orlando — it's aiming to be something more. The emirate sees its theme parks as part of a bigger portfolio of attractions, alongside cultural landmarks, luxury hotels, pristine beaches, and desert adventures. A 15-minute drive from Yas Island, Saadiyat Island is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a franchised outpost of the famous Paris art museum, which welcomed 1.4 million visitors last year, 84% from abroad. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are both under construction, adding to a cultural district that will be one of the region's most concentrated hubs of art and heritage. 'Abu Dhabi's unique appeal lies in the diversity of our tourism offering,' Al Geziry added. 'For thrill-seekers, we have record-breaking roller coasters and dune bashing in the desert. For culture lovers, historic sites like Al Ain Oasis and institutions like the Saadiyat museums. And for luxury travelers, world-class dining, private island resorts, and high-end shopping. 'Where else can you start your day under the Louvre's iconic rain-of-light dome and end it in the immersive, story-driven worlds of Warner Bros. World or Ferrari World?' Still, not everyone is convinced that Disney's expansion into the Middle East is a sure bet. 'The region has seen its share of false starts,' says Dennis Speigel, founder of the International Theme Park Services consultancy, comparing it to neighboring Dubai's patchy record with theme park expansion ambitions in the mid-2010s. 'Several of them struggled for profitability in their first decade.' Spiegel believes Abu Dhabi is different. 'Disney made a smart choice. The infrastructure, safety, and existing leisure developments create an ideal entry point,' he told CNN earlier this year. 'It's a much more controlled and calculated move.' Under its Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi aims to grow annual visitors from 24 million in 2023 to more than 39 million by the end of the decade. With Disneyland as a centerpiece, those targets may well be surpassed. The city's population has already grown from 2.7 million in 2014 to more than 4.1 million today, a reflection of its rising profile as a regional hub. Yas Island alone has been transformed in the space of a decade from a largely undeveloped stretch of sand to a self-contained resort destination, complete with golf courses, marinas, a mall, more than 160 restaurants, and a cluster of high-end hotels. Orlando's head start remains formidable — it still offers multiple Disney and Universal parks, has decades of brand loyalty, and an infrastructure built to handle tens of millions of tourists annually. But Abu Dhabi is catching up fast. Its combination of frictionless travel, year-round comfort, cutting-edge attractions, and a cultural scene that adds depth to the experience gives Abu Dhabi its own unique selling point, potentially offering a model for the next generation of theme park capital. CNN's Natasha Chen and Liam Reilly contributed to this report.
CNN
9 hours ago
- CNN
Watch out, Orlando, a new world theme park capital is rising in the Arabian desert
The Middle EastFacebookTweetLink Follow EDITOR'S NOTE: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. 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. And it just landed the ultimate weapon: Disney. 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, already home to Ferrari World, with the world's fastest roller coaster; Warner Bros. World (built under license by CNN's parent company, Warner Brothers Discovery); Yas Waterworld, an epic network of slides and pools; and more recently, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. It's clear the emirate is emerging as the most serious challenger Orlando has ever faced. 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. It will be the first Disney resort set on an accessible shoreline, located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. What began as a shared passion between two friends has grown into the "Abu Dhabi House Movement" — a fast-growing community redefining the city's music scene. Co-founder Tom Worton takes us inside this grassroots world, where music lovers, DJs, and cultural spaces collide. 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. And 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 even two beaches along Yas Bay Waterfront. Abu Dhabi's location, a medium-haul flight away from both Europe and Asia, and relatively short hop away from India, means millions of potential visitors are within relatively easy reach. 'This isn't about building another theme park,' Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Abu Dhabi's director general of tourism, told CNN. 'It's about defining Abu Dhabi as a global destination where culture, entertainment and luxury intersect.' Abu Dhabi's rise comes as Orlando and US tourism more broadly face headwinds. International travel to the US has slowed recently, with lengthy visa processes, unpredictable immigration checks, and heightened security scrutiny all blamed for deterring visitors. Abu Dhabi currently offers a smoother alternative to the US. 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 highly on the 2024 Global Peace Index. 'In times of uncertainty, people look for destinations they can trust,' Al Geziry added. Once on Yas Island, visitors experience indoor, climate-controlled attractions, shorter lines, and a level of sophistication not typically associated with theme parks. 'For families used to theme parks in the US or Europe, Abu Dhabi is a revelation,' says Steven Hopkinson, a British expatriate living in Abu Dhabi. 'You don't spend hours waiting in the heat, and everything feels more refined, more accessible, which is such a luxury when you're with small children.' 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. 'Compared to places like Florida, it's a different level of comfort,' said Ahmed El Khoury, a Palestinian expatriate and father of three. Despite the comparisons, Abu Dhabi isn't positioning itself as a direct rival to Orlando — it's aiming to be something more. The emirate sees its theme parks as part of a bigger portfolio of attractions, alongside cultural landmarks, luxury hotels, pristine beaches, and desert adventures. A 15-minute drive from Yas Island, Saadiyat Island is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a franchised outpost of the famous Paris art museum, which welcomed 1.4 million visitors last year, 84% from abroad. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are both under construction, adding to a cultural district that will be one of the region's most concentrated hubs of art and heritage. 'Abu Dhabi's unique appeal lies in the diversity of our tourism offering,' Al Geziry added. 'For thrill-seekers, we have record-breaking roller coasters and dune bashing in the desert. For culture lovers, historic sites like Al Ain Oasis and institutions like the Saadiyat museums. And for luxury travelers, world-class dining, private island resorts, and high-end shopping. 'Where else can you start your day under the Louvre's iconic rain-of-light dome and end it in the immersive, story-driven worlds of Warner Bros. World or Ferrari World?' Still, not everyone is convinced that Disney's expansion into the Middle East is a sure bet. 'The region has seen its share of false starts,' says Dennis Speigel, founder of the International Theme Park Services consultancy, comparing it to neighboring Dubai's patchy record with theme park expansion ambitions in the mid-2010s. 'Several of them struggled for profitability in their first decade.' Spiegel believes Abu Dhabi is different. 'Disney made a smart choice. The infrastructure, safety, and existing leisure developments create an ideal entry point,' he told CNN earlier this year. 'It's a much more controlled and calculated move.' Under its Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi aims to grow annual visitors from 24 million in 2023 to more than 39 million by the end of the decade. With Disneyland as a centerpiece, those targets may well be surpassed. The city's population has already grown from 2.7 million in 2014 to more than 4.1 million today, a reflection of its rising profile as a regional hub. Yas Island alone has been transformed in the space of a decade from a largely undeveloped stretch of sand to a self-contained resort destination, complete with golf courses, marinas, a mall, more than 160 restaurants, and a cluster of high-end hotels. Orlando's head start remains formidable — it still offers multiple Disney and Universal parks, has decades of brand loyalty, and an infrastructure built to handle tens of millions of tourists annually. But Abu Dhabi is catching up fast. Its combination of frictionless travel, year-round comfort, cutting-edge attractions, and a cultural scene that adds depth to the experience gives Abu Dhabi its own unique selling point, potentially offering a model for the next generation of theme park capital. CNN's Natasha Chen and Liam Reilly contributed to this report.
CNN
9 hours ago
- CNN
Watch out, Orlando, a new world theme park capital is rising in the Arabian desert
EDITOR'S NOTE: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. 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. And it just landed the ultimate weapon: Disney. 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, already home to Ferrari World, with the world's fastest roller coaster; Warner Bros. World (built under license by CNN's parent company, Warner Brothers Discovery); Yas Waterworld, an epic network of slides and pools; and more recently, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. It's clear the emirate is emerging as the most serious challenger Orlando has ever faced. 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. It will be the first Disney resort set on an accessible shoreline, located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. What began as a shared passion between two friends has grown into the "Abu Dhabi House Movement" — a fast-growing community redefining the city's music scene. Co-founder Tom Worton takes us inside this grassroots world, where music lovers, DJs, and cultural spaces collide. 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. And 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 even two beaches along Yas Bay Waterfront. Abu Dhabi's location, a medium-haul flight away from both Europe and Asia, and relatively short hop away from India, means millions of potential visitors are within relatively easy reach. 'This isn't about building another theme park,' Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Abu Dhabi's director general of tourism, told CNN. 'It's about defining Abu Dhabi as a global destination where culture, entertainment and luxury intersect.' Abu Dhabi's rise comes as Orlando and US tourism more broadly face headwinds. International travel to the US has slowed recently, with lengthy visa processes, unpredictable immigration checks, and heightened security scrutiny all blamed for deterring visitors. Abu Dhabi currently offers a smoother alternative to the US. 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 highly on the 2024 Global Peace Index. 'In times of uncertainty, people look for destinations they can trust,' Al Geziry added. Once on Yas Island, visitors experience indoor, climate-controlled attractions, shorter lines, and a level of sophistication not typically associated with theme parks. 'For families used to theme parks in the US or Europe, Abu Dhabi is a revelation,' says Steven Hopkinson, a British expatriate living in Abu Dhabi. 'You don't spend hours waiting in the heat, and everything feels more refined, more accessible, which is such a luxury when you're with small children.' 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. 'Compared to places like Florida, it's a different level of comfort,' said Ahmed El Khoury, a Palestinian expatriate and father of three. Despite the comparisons, Abu Dhabi isn't positioning itself as a direct rival to Orlando — it's aiming to be something more. The emirate sees its theme parks as part of a bigger portfolio of attractions, alongside cultural landmarks, luxury hotels, pristine beaches, and desert adventures. A 15-minute drive from Yas Island, Saadiyat Island is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a franchised outpost of the famous Paris art museum, which welcomed 1.4 million visitors last year, 84% from abroad. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are both under construction, adding to a cultural district that will be one of the region's most concentrated hubs of art and heritage. 'Abu Dhabi's unique appeal lies in the diversity of our tourism offering,' Al Geziry added. 'For thrill-seekers, we have record-breaking roller coasters and dune bashing in the desert. For culture lovers, historic sites like Al Ain Oasis and institutions like the Saadiyat museums. And for luxury travelers, world-class dining, private island resorts, and high-end shopping. 'Where else can you start your day under the Louvre's iconic rain-of-light dome and end it in the immersive, story-driven worlds of Warner Bros. World or Ferrari World?' Still, not everyone is convinced that Disney's expansion into the Middle East is a sure bet. 'The region has seen its share of false starts,' says Dennis Speigel, founder of the International Theme Park Services consultancy, comparing it to neighboring Dubai's patchy record with theme park expansion ambitions in the mid-2010s. 'Several of them struggled for profitability in their first decade.' Spiegel believes Abu Dhabi is different. 'Disney made a smart choice. The infrastructure, safety, and existing leisure developments create an ideal entry point,' he told CNN earlier this year. 'It's a much more controlled and calculated move.' Under its Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi aims to grow annual visitors from 24 million in 2023 to more than 39 million by the end of the decade. With Disneyland as a centerpiece, those targets may well be surpassed. The city's population has already grown from 2.7 million in 2014 to more than 4.1 million today, a reflection of its rising profile as a regional hub. Yas Island alone has been transformed in the space of a decade from a largely undeveloped stretch of sand to a self-contained resort destination, complete with golf courses, marinas, a mall, more than 160 restaurants, and a cluster of high-end hotels. Orlando's head start remains formidable — it still offers multiple Disney and Universal parks, has decades of brand loyalty, and an infrastructure built to handle tens of millions of tourists annually. But Abu Dhabi is catching up fast. Its combination of frictionless travel, year-round comfort, cutting-edge attractions, and a cultural scene that adds depth to the experience gives Abu Dhabi its own unique selling point, potentially offering a model for the next generation of theme park capital. CNN's Natasha Chen and Liam Reilly contributed to this report.
