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Disney CEO Visits Abu Dhabi Site for Future Park
26 Jan
Summary
- Disney CEO visited the future Disneyland Abu Dhabi site.
- The park is projected to cost $10 billion, funded by Miral Group.
- Concerns exist over human rights and LGBTQ+ issues in the UAE.
Disney CEO Bob Iger recently toured the waterfront location intended for the future Disneyland Abu Dhabi. The theme park project, announced last May, is an ambitious $10 billion endeavor fully financed by the United Arab Emirates company Miral Group. This development represents Disney's first theme park in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, following established parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Paris, and Tokyo.
While Iger expressed excitement about the project, noting the "incredibly unique" waterfront setting and the potential to "tell our stories in completely new ways," the venture has encountered significant backlash. Critics, including LGBTQ+ fans and allies, have raised concerns about building in a country where homosexuality is banned and about reported instances of guest worker abuse. Disney has pledged the park will be "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," aiming to align with local culture.
Despite these concerns, Iger's visit to the site confirms Disney's commitment to forging ahead with the Abu Dhabi plans. The United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its ties with Hollywood and the entertainment industry, underscoring the strategic importance of this expansion for Disney.
