Disney plans first theme park in the Middle East

Disney chose the United Arab Emirates to build its seventh theme park, according to a Wednesday statement from the company. Disney contracted with the government-owned Miral Group to build the park on Yas Island in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. Miral will develop, build, and operate the waterfront resort with Disney’s creative designs and operational oversight, Disney said. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will blend contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer a unique and immersive entertainment experience, Disney CEO Robert A. Iger said.

Why the UAE? One-third of the world’s population can access the UAE with a flight of four hours or less, Disney noted. About 120 million passengers travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year, making the UAE a significant tourism gateway, the company added.

How will the UAE culture impact the park’s operations and characters? It is unclear if or how the country’s constitutionally designated religion of Islam will impact Disney’s presentation of its brand and characters. WORLD reached out to multiple Disney Company media contacts for insight on the question and did not receive a reply by Wednesday afternoon.

Once completed, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment along with themed accommodations, dining, and retail, the company’s release stated. The park’s storytelling will celebrate the heritage of Disney and the futuristic essence of Abu Dhabi, the statement added.

Dig deeper: Read Kiley Crossland’s report on the international backlash Disney faced for LGBT elements in the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast.