On May 7, 2025, Disney made headlines with the announcement of its first-ever theme park in the Middle East—Disneyland Abu Dhabi. To be located on the already entertainment-packed Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates, the new destination promises to bring Disney magic to a whole new region. But behind the excitement lies a strategic and controversial move that’s raising eyebrows among fans, cultural critics, and longtime Disney loyalists alike.

At the core of this story is a crucial clarification: this new theme park will not be owned or operated by Disney.

According to Disney’s own statement, “Disney will not own or operate the resort, nor will it provide capital for its construction or operations.” Instead, the park will be financed, built, and operated by Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based developer already known for other Yas Island attractions such as Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Disney’s role in the project is limited to licensing its intellectual property and offering creative input through Walt Disney Imagineering, which will support the design and development of themed experiences.

A Safe Bet in Uncertain Times

For many analysts, this hands-off approach is no surprise. In fact, it speaks volumes about Disney’s current financial and strategic positioning. Coming off a rocky financial quarter where CEO Bob Iger acknowledged that ticket prices were too high and guests were cutting back, Disney has been under pressure to show growth and expansion without overstretching its resources. The company’s recent quarterly report showed a dip in attendance across several domestic parks and increasing concern over consumer fatigue in the post-pandemic economy.

This licensing-based model allows Disney to expand its brand presence and tap into new markets without taking on any of the massive financial risk involved in constructing and running a full-fledged theme park. It’s a similar structure to how the company approached Tokyo Disneyland, which has operated successfully for decades under the ownership of the Oriental Land Company.

“Authentically Disney, Distinctly Emirati”

Despite not owning the park, Bob Iger has been keen to emphasize the company’s involvement in shaping the vision of the resort. In a press statement, Iger said the project will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” aiming to blend the storytelling traditions and IP of Disney with the cultural heritage of the UAE.

Set to feature immersive attractions, themed hotels, dining, and retail experiences, the park will join Yas Island’s existing portfolio of high-end entertainment options. The UAE’s geographic location—a four-hour flight for roughly one-third of the world’s population—makes it a strategic tourism hub.

“This is about accessibility and innovation,” said Iger. “We want to bring Disney experiences to more people, and Abu Dhabi is uniquely positioned to help us do that.”

But At What Cost?

While the business logic is clear, the moral and ethical implications have sparked intense backlash, particularly from fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Abu Dhabi, as part of the United Arab Emirates, has strict laws that criminalize homosexuality and transgender expression. Disney’s increasingly public stance on inclusivity—including LGBTQ+ representation in films and theme park events—feels deeply at odds with the laws and cultural climate of the UAE.

In 2022, the UAE banned Pixar’s Lightyear from cinemas due to a brief same-sex kiss, and similar censorship has affected other Disney properties in the region. Given this context, critics are asking: Can a Disney park in Abu Dhabi truly reflect the values the company claims to stand for?

Social media has been flooded with criticism. One viral tweet reads:

“Disney pulls out all the stops for Pride Month, but then greenlights a theme park in a country where being gay is illegal? That’s not pixie dust, that’s hypocrisy.”

Others have called for boycotts or demanded clarity on whether the park will provide safe and inclusive experiences for LGBTQ+ guests and staff.

A Double Standard?

The criticism of Disney’s move goes beyond just values. Some industry experts suggest that Disney is talking out of both sides of its mouth—championing diversity and inclusion at home while cutting deals with governments whose laws contradict those ideals.

“Disney has built its brand on family, imagination, and inclusion,” said a former Disney Parks executive. “To now partner—even indirectly—with a regime that criminalizes parts of its audience is not just a questionable business decision, it’s a betrayal of trust.”

Meanwhile, defenders of the project argue that expanding Disney’s reach to new regions doesn’t necessarily mean endorsing every aspect of that region’s government or culture. “If we only did business with countries that align 100% with U.S. social norms, we’d be a very small global company,” said one analyst.

Financial Motivation > Cultural Integrity?

There’s no denying the financial logic of this move. By shifting the capital burden to Miral, Disney avoids a multibillion-dollar outlay at a time when its domestic parks are seeing declining foot traffic and rising maintenance costs. It also allows Disney to benefit from licensing revenue, brand exposure, and potential future profit-sharing without adding risk to its balance sheet.

The timing is also notable. Just weeks prior, Disney had reported solid overall earnings but acknowledged that the company must “adjust its pricing and offerings” at theme parks to keep attracting guests. This new licensing venture may be one of the company’s boldest bets yet on how to grow globally—without overextending financially.

Will Disneyland Abu Dhabi Be Truly Disney?

Whether or not this park will feel like Disney is another open question. Without Disney’s direct operational involvement, guests may experience a different standard of service and storytelling than what they’ve come to expect in Anaheim, Orlando, or Paris.

That said, the involvement of Walt Disney Imagineering—famed for its immersive attractions and next-level innovation—means the rides and thematic elements will likely reflect Disney’s high standards. But when it comes to day-to-day park operations, cast member culture, inclusivity training, and guest experience, much will rest on the shoulders of Miral.

Conclusion: A Magical Mirage?

Disneyland Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be one of the most controversial and complex expansions in the company’s history. Strategically, it’s a smart move—allowing Disney to test a new market, generate revenue, and expand its global footprint without financial exposure. But ethically and culturally, it’s a murky path.

As Disney continues to promote its commitment to inclusivity and representation, fans will be watching closely to see if those values hold true when the park opens its gates—or if this turns out to be another case of corporate profit outweighing corporate principle.

The world will be watching. And for now, the magic in the Middle East comes with more questions than answers.