For many Disney fans, the magic ended with a headline.
The moment Disney announced its plans to open a brand-new, multi-million dollar theme park in Abu Dhabi, the internet erupted—not just with excitement, but with fear, disbelief, and heartbreak. At first glance, it seemed like a monumental step into a new region for the beloved entertainment giant. But almost instantly, the deeper implications came into focus.
What happens when the magic is only available to some—and not others?
The New Disney Park: A Dazzling Vision Meets Harsh Reality
Slated to be one of Disney’s largest international investments in recent memory, the Abu Dhabi park promises opulence, innovation, and cultural fusion in a country that has become a tourism powerhouse in recent years. From Warner Bros. World to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the UAE has been building a future-ready image—one of lights, luxury, and leisure.
A whole new world awaits Disney and Miral have announced an agreement to create the seventh Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi. – @DisneyParks on X
A whole new world awaits ✨ Disney and Miral have announced an agreement to create the seventh Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi. https://t.co/Z3II42opKF #YasIsland #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/7MskZjXuvz
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025
But behind the shimmer lies something far more sobering. Critics from around the globe are voicing concern about Disney’s decision to plant its flag in a country where freedoms for LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and religious minorities—especially Christians—are tightly controlled or outright suppressed.
In the United Arab Emirates, same-sex relationships are criminalized. Though executions for such acts under Sharia law are technically possible, they are extremely rare and often avoided. Still, the law sends a chilling message: you are not welcome.
But the tension doesn’t stop there.
Women and the Limitations of “Magic”
Despite progress in some areas, women in the UAE still face systemic inequality. Guardianship laws, while not as rigid as in neighboring nations, can restrict a woman’s ability to make independent decisions about her body, travel, and employment.
Can Disney, a company built on princesses, empowerment, and dreams, justify opening a park in a place where female visitors may not enjoy full autonomy?
Looks like I won’t be able to visit Disneyland Abu Dhabi – @imemegination on X
Looks like I won’t be able to visit Disneyland Abu Dhabi pic.twitter.com/AS2ZHMzSqt
— Imemegination (@imemegination) May 7, 2025
“It feels like a betrayal,” said one former cast member and frequent Disney visitor. “How can a company that promotes Moana and Elsa—symbols of courage and self-determination—celebrate a partnership with a country where women still need permission to live freely?”
Christians, Faith, and Freedom
Though the UAE has a significant expatriate population—including many Christians—the practice of non-Islamic faiths is heavily regulated. Public expressions of Christianity, including missionary work and visible religious symbols, are restricted. Churches do exist but are often confined to specific compounds, and religious gatherings outside those areas can draw legal scrutiny.
I gotta be honest; today is a real weird day for LGBT Disney Parks fans. – @DisneyScoopGuy on X
I gotta be honest; today is a real weird day for LGBT Disney Parks fans.
— Matt Desmond (@DisneyScoopGuy) May 7, 2025
With Disney’s roots in Western culture—and a fan base that includes devout Christian families—many are wondering how faith will be represented, if at all, in this new venture.
“Faith is part of the Disney experience for a lot of us,” one mother wrote on Facebook. “We pray before our meals at the parks. We share our values with our kids through these stories. Will that be accepted in Abu Dhabi—or quietly erased?”
Disney’s Crossroads: Magic or Morals?
This announcement may have been aimed at growth, but it’s turned into a reckoning.
As Disney expands into new markets, it faces a familiar corporate dilemma: at what cost? While the company has made strides toward inclusion—embracing LGBTQ+ representation, celebrating diversity, and standing with underrepresented groups—critics argue this move undermines much of that progress.
“The danger isn’t just hypocrisy—it’s complicity,” says Dr. Lina Khoury, a Middle East policy analyst. “By entering into partnerships with governments that criminalize or restrict basic human rights, companies like Disney risk signaling that profit matters more than people.”
A Split Fanbase and Unanswered Questions
The fan reaction has been swift—and deeply divided. Some see it as a thrilling opportunity for cultural exchange and a new place to experience Disney magic. Others view it as a step backward.
Among the unanswered questions:
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Will LGBTQ+ cast members be allowed to work there safely?
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Will female staff and guests enjoy equal treatment?
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Will Christian families feel free to express their faith inside the park?
So far, Disney has not publicly addressed these concerns in detail, choosing instead to highlight the park’s potential as a global destination.
But the silence may be louder than any statement.
Can Magic Be Global Without Being Inclusive at This New Disney Park?
This isn’t just about one theme park—it’s about the soul of a brand. For decades, Disney has sold a dream where everyone belongs. In Abu Dhabi, that dream will be tested in ways it never has before.
The world is watching. The fans are questioning. And the fairytale? It just got a whole lot more complicated.
Because what good is a castle… if entire communities are locked out of the gates?
The lgbtq alphabet clan should go over there and protest. Go throw your tantrum and I hope they get their punishment by the authorities.:)
As far as religion, seems it would be the same as in Tokyo, Hong Kong, or the Shanghai parks, where Christian’s are in the minority. Be open to observing the norms of where you are visiting. Women will most likely have to cover exposed skin, as they do in European churches. Be prepared to see Muslim women in their usual concealing garb, but enjoying the park. Not everything has to be the same as America. Is is a large and different world out there.
Disney has been all about money for the last 20+ years. They treat their employees like crap, value bonuses over safety and cut back on overtime and pay raises whenever possible. This is no surprise that they would take a multi billion dollar deal and not care about how it might affect their guests. This is not the Disney that Walt envisioned.