Disney Opens Theme Park in Abu Dhabi and Enters the Middle East
Walt Disney Company made its first announcement in 15 years about opening a new theme park. Abu Dhabi will become home to the 7th Disneyland resort. This is the first resort of its kind in the Middle East, sparking a wave of excitement among residents.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi is set to be erected on Yas Island’s waterfront resort. This is a strategic location that already draws millions of visitors from all over the world, including Africa, Europe, and India. The announcement was made shortly after Disney reported strong second-quarter earnings.
The Reasoning Behind the New Theme Park
Disney is one of the world’s most popular enterprises, earning a net income of around $46 million in the 4thfiscal quarter of 2024. Their parks are the most notable financial driver, bringing about 59% of the operating income. While domestic parks saw a moderate decline in 2024, Disney noted that attendance started to surge once more.
Revenue increased by 7% in the second quarter, going from $22.1 billion last year to $23.6 billion this year. International resorts are seeing the most growth in guest spending and attendance. This move could help improve their revenue further, relieving the pressure brought by the trade war in China. With park attendance in Hong Kong and Shanghai dropping, the park in Abu Dhabi is expected to shift the tide in revenue.
Miral, a leisure and entertainment company in Abu Dhabi, was put in charge of the new Disney resort. They will fully plan, build, and operate the new location, with the help of Disney Imagineers. Miral has already developed a series of family entertainment points on Yas Island. They will operate the resort in collaboration with European and American brands, driving success.
Opening a Whole New World for Disney Enthusiasts
The CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Robert A. Iger, talks about this plan as a thrilling moment for the company. He expressed his excitement about expanding into a land where the culture is rich in creativity and the arts. He mentioned that this 7th resort will blend cultural and contemporary elements in a modern way. As such, visitors should have an immersive experience at a location that’s distinctly Emirati but authentically Disney.
