The Walt Disney Company has officially unveiled plans to bring the magic of Disney to the Middle East, announcing a groundbreaking partnership with Miral to develop a new theme park resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This marks Disney’s seventh resort destination globally, signaling a bold new chapter in the company’s international expansion strategy.
Nestled on Yas Island’s scenic waterfront, Disney Abu Dhabi will be ideally situated to welcome visitors from Europe, Africa, Asia, and throughout the Middle East. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences in a press release. “The location of our park is incredibly unique—anchored by a beautiful waterfront—which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways.”
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, also celebrated the project’s creative promise. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion,” he said. “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati—an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways.”
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, emphasized the cultural significance of the collaboration. “Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” he said via Disney press release. “What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world.”
The announcement aligns with Disney’s broader vision to “turbocharge” its parks and experiences sector. Iger previously said, “Last year we talked about our plans to turbocharge growth in this segment through strategic investments,” per Blooloop. “Right now, we have more projects underway around the world than at any time in our history.” That plan includes nearly doubling Disney Experiences’ capital expenditures over a decade, targeting $60 billion toward parks, cruises, and other immersive offerings.
Though the announcement may thrill Disney fans globally, it’s not without its challenges. The project comes at a time when conversations around inclusivity and representation are more relevant than ever, and the United Arab Emirates’ laws surrounding the LGBTQ+ community have raised concern.
In the UAE, homosexuality is illegal, and same-sex relationships can result in imprisonment. Such laws have already led to banning Disney films across the region, like Lightyear (2022). It’s also unlikely that Strange World (2022)—which featured Disney’s first openly gay teenage protagonist—will appear in any form at the resort–that movie was one of Disney’s biggest flops and rarely appears at any park.
This has led to speculation not only about what intellectual properties (IP) might be included, but also about what could be omitted or altered. A cultural report cited in the Daily Mail suggested that even Disney classics could see modifications. “It is very likely that Ariel’s iconic shell bikini top would be redesigned to offer more coverage, in line with modesty norms in many Middle Eastern countries,” said London-based expert Corina. “A version with a longer top or a full-body aquatic outfit… could be used.”
The article also noted that Minnie Mouse might undergo a modest wardrobe tweak. “She would probably be in a dress, although the dress might be a maxi dress,” Corina added.
Interestingly, local entertainment already features mermaid performers at places like the Dubai Mall, which could complicate assumptions about costume requirements. Additionally, the 1992 animated classic Aladdin faced criticism over the lyrics of “Arabian Nights.” Disney updated the lyrics for the 2019 live-action remake, and it’s expected that the revised version will appear at the park—if Aladdin is represented at all.
Despite the excitement, the long-speculated fifth gate at Walt Disney World in Florida remains on hold. For now, all eyes are on Abu Dhabi as Disney licenses its intellectual property to Miral in a fashion similar to its relationship with The Oriental Land Company, which operates Tokyo Disney Resort.
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