Wow, exciting news this morning, this was not at all on my radar. Lots of mainstream media picking this up too, but here with some analysis from Tom Bricker: Disneyland Abu Dhabi Announced, Disney's 7th Theme Park Resort Complex in World! - Disney Tourist Blog.
As someone who lives outside of the US (and about to move to somewhere that’s a 2hr flight from the UAE), I’m psyched for this, even if it won’t open until the “early 2030s”.
Not sure how I feel about that. I feel like that country is very morally wrong in its slave labor practices. And when I see the insane wealth in comparison on my Apple TV screen saver it bothers me a lot but I’m also just about to complete my collection with Paris next month so conundrum. Will I have to complete it when there is a new option?
From a PURELY financial perspective, this seems like a smart move by Disney (again, setting aside any social justice type concerns). UAE is a source of great wealth, and Disney could theoretically making a metaphorical killing with a park there. It could lead to the development of new rides concepts and technologies that make their way into other parks such as WDW.
I do have to wonder if the supposed $60 billion that Iger announced would be infused into the parks included this. I hope not. Then again, if Disney has a deal where they profit heavily from this park, the other domestic parks could (possibly, maybe) benefit as well.
This will be years in the making, however, so we have a long wait to see the results of this decision. The world could change dramatically in the time it takes to build there. But things in UAE are never done small. I expect this is going to be a big investment.
I hear you. There are a many happening in the Gulf that are politically, socially and economically concerning.
Personally I have never hesitated to visit any country, either for work or for tourism, because of these kinds of concerns. I work in international relations (and by virtue of my work have often visited countries during or immediately after unconstituional changes of power like miltary coups or major humanitarian crises). So I am biased towards the view that multilateralism in general and also international tourism or any exposure to other cultures, ideas and ways of life can open doors and create opportunities. And I would be just as open to visiting this park as I would to visiting Disney parks in other parts of the world, be that the US, or France, or China. But I know not everyone will share that view.
That said, I did also have a moment while watching the video that made me feel icky, I think in line with your comment on the insane/ostentatious wealth, and the difficult juxtaposition between an over-the-top theme park that may end up catering towards the region’s elites on the one hand, and the high levels of poverty and challenges that the region faces on the other. This stark contrast already exists within other countries/regions with theme parks of course, and I think within the US domestic audience often hits a raw nerve when people talk of Disney catering towards the ultra-rich/pricing out average families. It feels wrong morally and also far removed from Walt’s original vision.
But let’s see. Looks like we’ll have a bit of time to learn more about this project…
Well said. I think it’s ok to have two thoughts about something at the same time. And I think it’s ok to enjoy something while not liking how the proverbial sausage is made.
I think it is unlikely I will ever make it to this park for logistical reasons, but it looks cool.
Thanks for this. Sometimes feels as tho this is not remembered enough in certain circles
So many things i don’t agree with -
but honestly a little shocked that Disney would do business with a country that is still has that LGBTQ as a criminal offense….they have worked so hard here for tolerance and acceptance this seems like a 360
Yeah hubby just reminded me of this today which would make this a no go for us as my daughter is gay. Not something we can risk or condone.
Yep. It’s a no-go for me.
It will be interesting to see how they handle LGBTQIA+ imagineers - will they be forced to choose between their safety and a job? I’d hope those in charge would be sensitive to anyone who declines for personal safety reasons, but…
While I know the UAE has made some improvements in women’s rights in recent years, it’s still not a place I have any interest in visiting.
I’m appalled.
Someone misspelled Australia.
Disney was meant to come to Australia.
And not in the usual way. 
Im still waiting for that San Antonio location cuz they own land there and its forever been a rumor.
It makes the news here every year or so. They were apparently eyeing off a location about 15 minutes from where I live. The government was all for it but then they went silent on it.
For me, people will get tired of this- but it is illegal for gay people to be in Dhabi- so if this was a whites only park or men only park- would you post the same thing? I’m using that as my guide. For me it is the same. I can’t talk excitedly about things my gay friends are excluded from.
No one should be surprised by this. Disney is a company first, and companies are in the business of making money. If there is money to be made in the entertainment industry, Disney will find a way to get involved no matter where it is.
Disney has backed off on some of its inclusivity initiatives since the start of the year (as has many American companies) despite the head butting that was done three years ago with Florida with the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill. However, government administrators change, as do company CEOs, and with those changes often come changes in country and company direction.
I am definitely surprised by this. Yes they are a company designed to make a profit and are supposed to be backing down from * inclusivity initiatives*- backing down is one thing but a complete 360 is another. This is a very big diss IMO to LGBT community…we support you up until it’s more profitable to criminalize you?
Honestly I am more surprised there isn’t much backlash, considering the DeSantis debacle pretty much had CMs participating in walkouts.
I 100% agree. The more I think about it, the sadder and more disappointed I am.
The decision to build in that country does disturb me and I’m looking forward to hearing the Kid’s response. Which may be along the lines of Disney can do what they want to, he doesn’t have to go along.
For myself, I can’t put see putting more wealth where there appears to be such a divide. Also, I understand that laws and culture may be different now and many golfing folk seem happy to live there. That’s a really long airplane ride.