The Walt Disney Company and Miral Group, “the region’s most impactful and influential leisure, tourism and lifestyle brand” – then responsible for the development of Yas Island – have announced the creation of the first Disney theme park in the Middle East. The project represents a multi-million dollar investment and a milestone in the global expansion of Disney experiences. As announced by both companies, the park will be part of the Yas Island entertainment complex in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is already home to attractions such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
Whilst few details have been revealed – including an exact opening date – the theme park’s design is expected to combine iconic Disney elements – unsurprisingly – with an openness to local cultural influences – and also unsurprisingly – in a unique, but regionally-tailored experience offering.
In fact, the news highlights that the development will respect UAE traditions and values, in line with the adaptation model already developed by other international Disney theme parks. In this regard, Disney CEO Robert Iger said in a press release that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati”.
This move strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position, in the UAE in particular and the Middle East in general, as a global tourist destination, in line with the strategy to diversify its economy, to create jobs and to cultivate high-value tourism. Tourism experts point out that Disney’s arrival will significantly increase the flow of visitors, especially from Europe, Asia and the Arab world – after all, a third of the world’s population is just a four-hour flight from Yas Island.
According to Miral’s official statement, the project will not be limited to a conventional theme park, but will include an integrated resort, strategically located on the waterfront to take advantage of Yas Island’s geographical position. The resort, which will include Disney-themed accommodations, dining and retail areas, will be designed by Disney Imagineers, while Miral Group will operate the destination. This is Disney’s seventh resort globally and the first specifically designed for the Middle East.
Unlike other Disney parks, which tend to be themed around franchises such as Marvel or Star Wars, Miral Group’s official communication avoids mentioning specific intellectual properties, which raises questions about the creative aspect that will shape the future theme park. With this new project, Disney will consolidate its presence in emerging markets, while Abu Dhabi reinforces its commitment to the family entertainment sector as an economic driver.
Sources: BBC, Gulf News, Miral Group. Images: Miral Group and Abu Dhabi Media Office.
