Disney recently made several big announcements, particularly about how its theme parks business is doing, how streaming is faring, and how the company is doing financially.
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However, the biggest shock was when the company revealed it has plans to build a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE. That announcement has already proved a bit controversial, particularly with current Disney fans. So let’s take a look at what our DFB readers think about this new theme park.
Disney’s new park in Abu Dhabi will be working with Miral, an Abu Dhabi company that creates destinations and experiences, to construct the new theme park. Miral will be in charge of developing and constructing the resort while Disney leads the creative design and operational oversight. The park will be located on Yas Island, which is home to other theme parks and attractions.
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However, when we asked Disney fans how they felt about this announcement, the responses were mixed, although many were critical, especially about the new resort’s location and the strict laws the UAE is known for.
According to Human Rights Watch and Wikipedia, “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the United Arab Emirates face discrimination and legal challenges. Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and under the federal criminal provisions, consensual same-sex sexual activity is punishable by imprisonment; extra-marital sexual activity between persons of different sexes is also illegal. In both cases, prosecution will only be brought if a husband or male guardian of one of the participants makes a criminal complaint.”
Further, Abu Dhabi (and the broader UAE) is also criticized for its laws surrounding women. According to the Human Rights Watch, while women can drive, own property, work, and get an education, some of these actions require approval from a male guardian, like a father or husband. The 2024 Human Freedom Index ranks the United Arab Emirates 119 out of 165 on human freedom regarding the rule of law, safety, movement, religion, relationships, and more. For comparison, the United States is ranked 17th. Still, the United Arab Emirates is largely considered to be progressive for the region.
DFB reader @chaotic_imgnxr commented, “why are we clapping for this? its a human rights disaster over there.”
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DFB reader @sameckmann said, “A park I will never see. What a dangerous and irresponsible location choice.” Reader @jdeckar1 commented, “TERRIBLE! Why pick a place where it’s illegal to love who you love. This is a big world, why this place?”
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However, many Disney fans think that the company should have focused its efforts on its other parks, particularly those in the U.S. Reader @geekinoutwithethan said, “I like it better when Disney makes huge improvements to the parks here in the USA.”
According to @lavaffaire, “Why add a new park when the parks that exist literally need extra love?”
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Some readers got more specific, particularly thinking about Disney World, including @kylaforge who said, “Universal is crushing Disney Orlando to the point of embarrassment, but sure, let’s not build a 5th park there.”
Meanwhile, @gingerlovetc said, “How about we give a little tender loving care to the parks we have here?”
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Many other DFB readers spoke about how they believe this park will cater to the wealthy, and they think that’s why Disney decided to build a park there. DFB Reader @tamham2001 said, “A Disney park for the Uber rich? Color me surprised 🙄.”
Another reader, @aclowe78 agreed, “This really reinforces the notion that Disney has become a playground for the rich. This park will be the most flagrant example of that.”
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Some folks were excited about the prospect of a new park in Abu Dhabi. One commenter, @disneysmagicalfamily said, “I’ve been to abu dabi and Dubai! So exciting!!!”
Another reader, @radfatbikes, commented, “This is so exciting! Disney does so much in the US, it’s so great to see it expanding to other parts of the world so more people can experience the magic.”
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There were also several comments that hoped the theme park would have a Jasmine-inspired castle or an Aladdin theme. Aladdin takes place in a fictional place called Agrabah, though the setting is widely believed to be inspired by the Middle East and South Asia.
Many Disney fans are having serious discussions about the new park. Want to participate in these discussions? Be sure to follow us on Instagram. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Everything Announced (So Far) for Disney’s New Abu Dhabi Theme Park
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It’s odd to see the comments about Disney needing to focus on upgrading their existing parks. While true, Disney has no capital investment in this new park; it does not affect their ability to finance upgrades to their existing parks. If Disney is not upgrading their current parks or adding a 5th gate in Orlando, this project has pretty much nothing to do with those decisions.
Why is this any different than any other foreign Disney park? Most of us will never see any of those either. This is an investment by a company to make money. That is what companies do.
I find the topic. Disney fans are saying that Disney has become a playground to the rich because Abu Dhabi wants to build a park. I think Disney is catering to the rich all on its own without any help from any other country. Look at Orlando look at Disneyland in California they keep raising the prices on food at least twice a year tickets multipass lightning lane anywhere where they can squeeze that extra few pennies out of you or dollars guess what they’re gonna get it so stop saying just because Abu Dhabi wants to build a Disney park that’s a catering to the rich no take a look at your own back door. They’re catering to the rich here in Orlando
Comments about this being for the rich shows the ignorance many Americans. Take a look at the world map and population density. The United States has six Disney theme parks. Like most large publicly held corporations, they need to grow international business, not just live in a bubble and focus solely on the United States. My wife happened to be traveling with a colleague from India when the announcement occurred and he was nearly overcome with emotion because finally he will be able to take his kids to a Disney park, which currently isn’t feasible because of distance and cost. I’m an American and sadly so many comments make us look like a bunch of spoiled little brats.
Disney has no business building a new park where the average family will never have an opportunity to see! I’m a shareholder and I am 100%AGAINST THIS! Fix the parks in the United States FIRST!!! Japan, China and Europes parks are so much farther advanced than Orlando or California in the technology of the rides and shows! Give us some of that here and you’ll find more attendance! And concentrate on what Walt originally intended, spark creativity and dreams while giving FAMILIES a place to enjoy together! AFFORDABLY!!!!
I don’t understand why so much publicity is being put on the society of the country that the new park is going in. Saying it wrong to put a park there not your place. There are 7 other place to go that are safe. As for it being a playground for the rich, GREAT. Then they won’t come to our park and maybe the prices will come down,since there won’t be anyone buying the special tickets, the LL stuff. If you don’t own all of Disney then stop making such a fuss.