Disney Announces First Ever Theme Park And Resort In The Middle East

Disney is breaking ground and getting ready to give the Middle East a whole new vibe!

Disney is officially opening a theme park in Abu Dhabi, its first in the Middle East. The waterfront resort will open on Yas Island with immersive attractions, hotels, and dining. An opening date has not yet been set

The destination, which is already tagged Disneyland Abu Dhabi, is Disney's seventh global theme park resort and first of its kind in the Middle East region.

On May 7, the Walt Disney Company announced plans to open its first theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion of the Disney brand into the United Arab Emirates. 

This new destination aims to become an entertainment hub for visitors from the Middle East, Africa, India, Europe, and beyond.

Miral, a key developer in Abu Dhabi, will manage the resort's development and operations. Disney's Imagineers will oversee the creative design and offer operational guidance to ensure an immersive experience.

Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the park's blend of modern architecture and advanced technology to deliver unique entertainment experiences.

According to PEOPLE, he emphasized that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will capture the essence of Disney while reflecting the local culture. The project will reportedly create a vibrant oasis of entertainment that brings beloved characters and stories to life in new and inspiring ways for future generations.

In his interview with CNBC's David Faber, Disney CEO Bob Iger shared that an official opening date for the highly anticipated theme park in Abu Dhabi has yet to be determined.

Iger noted that the typical timeline for developing such projects spans 18 months to two years for design. This will be followed by approximately five years for construction, but emphasized that no firm commitments are being made at this stage.

On Disney's part, the decision to expand into the UAE is largely influenced by its strategic location. The region holds significance as a major air travel hub, with over 120 million travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually. 

The park aims to attract families from around the globe, especially given that one-third of the world's population lives within a four-hour flight.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Disney, highlighting the blend of heritage and innovation that Abu Dhabi offers. He believes the park will create a new world of imagination and unforgettable experiences for families.

Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, also emphasized the uniqueness of the park's location, describing it as anchored by a beautiful waterfront that will enable innovative storytelling in ways never seen before. 

Overall, this project represents a significant advancement in theme park development, promising to inspire future generations.

The themed park's innovative attractions will reflect Disney's legacy and Abu Dhabi's architectural and cultural richness. This development is seen as a significant step towards establishing Yas Island as a premier global destination for entertainment and leisure.

According to Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Group, this collaboration emphasizes a commitment to innovation in creating exceptional experiences. This project marks another milestone in Disney's storied history.

The Disney theme park franchise began with the opening of its first park in Anaheim, California, in 1955. It was followed by additional parks like the Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971. 

Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983, Disneyland Paris in 1992, Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005, and Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016.

According to The Blast, Disneyland addressed the pro-Palestine protests that took place outside its entrance in 2023. 

More than 1,000 protesters gathered outside the entrance of Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The event led to a temporary shutdown of the entrance due to the large number of demonstrators. 

In a statement to SFGATE, a Disneyland spokesperson emphasized that the company's primary concern was the safety and well-being of guests, cast members, employees, and protesters. 

The spokesperson noted that Disneyland coordinated closely with public safety officials and community leaders to help maintain order during the demonstration. 

Additionally, reports from Spectrum News indicated that the park covered its marquee sign on Harbor Boulevard, although Disneyland did not comment on this specific action.

The pro-Palestine protest marked a significant demonstration in the park. Protesters held up signs with messages such as "Shame on Disney," "The happiest place on Earth kills children," and "Stop funding Israel terror."

These slogans were in response to Disney's $2 million donation to organizations that provide relief to Israel. Demonstrators marched along Harbor Boulevard from 1 pm to around 4:30 pm local time.

The protest prompted the Anaheim Police Department to close down traffic to ensure safety and manage the event. Rida Hamida, the founder of Latino Muslim Unity, criticized Disney for failing to acknowledge or show empathy towards Palestinian suffering amid the violence in Gaza. 

She emphasized the need for recognition that Palestinian children deserve the same consideration as Israeli children. The protest highlighted concerns about corporate complicity in humanitarian issues, particularly focusing on Disney's role in this context.

This is undoubtedly a big win for Disneyland!