The most modern Disneyland in the world will be built in Abu Dhabi. Here's what we already know
The world entertainment power is preparing for another expansion that can change the tourist map of the region. This is a project that the Middle East has not yet seen – ambitious, futuristic and full of emotions. Breakthrough technologies and strategic business decisions appear in the background.
Disney announced on May 7 that he entered into an agreement with Miral on the construction of an amusement park and the ministry on the island of Yas in the United Arab Emirates.
It will be the seventh Disney thematic department in the world, fully developed and built by Miral. The Disney Imagineering team will manage creative design and operational supervision over the investment. The entertainment concern will not invest its own funds in this project, but will derive profits from Tantie.
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Project development in Abu Dhabi is not part of the 60-million investment plan in amusement parks previously announced by Disney for the next 10 years. The project amount is unknown.
Bob Iger, Disney General Director, stated:
“This is an exciting moment for our company – we announce a plan to build a new Disney thematic ministry in Abu Dhabi, a place with a rich culture, valuing art and creativity. As our seventh park center, it will be created in a spectacular way, combining modern architecture with the latest technologies, offering guests deeply immerial experiences in a unique, modern way. “
Disney starts with the design of a new park, but we will wait for the opening date
In an interview with CNBC, Iger revealed that Disney's design team had already started work on the park's concept. However, he did not provide a specific date of its opening: “We do not give any date yet. He usually takes us from 18 months to two years to design and fully develop the projectand the construction itself lasts about five years, but we do not make any declarations for now. “
The advertisement appeared just after Disney gave better than expected financial results for the second fiscal quarter. The “Experiences” department (official name of the Disney activity segment focusing on direct experiences offered to clients, such as thematic parks, travel and brand products) recorded a 6% increase in revenues year -on -year revenues.
This department constituted 37% of the general Disney revenues in the 2024 fiscal year and almost 60% of the company's operational profit.
“Segment Experiences This is the key part of Disney's business and an important growth platform, “said Iger during a teleconference with investors.” Despite macroeconomic uncertainty and competition, I am built by the strength and resistance of our business, which can be seen in both financial results and in reservations for the second half of the year in Walt Disney World. “
Nearly a billion tourists within four hours of flight
Disney gradually increased his presence in the United Arab Emirates in recent years, opening retail stores and organizing shows such as “Lion King” from Broadway or “Disney on Ice”.
Iger told CNBC that the company began to consider the region as a potential location for the ministry as early as 2017 or 2018, but the expansion was delayed by Covid-19 pandemia and a change in the CEO position.
Disney pointed out that around One -third of the world's population lives within four hours of flight from ZAAand the regional tourist market is estimated at about 500 million potential visitors. For many guests of Disney parks, it is easier to get a visa to the United Arab Emirates than to Europe or the USA, where other company departments are located.
Disney creates a revolutionary department. A combination of magic and modernity in Abu Dhabi
“This groundbreaking ministry is a new border in the development of thematic parks,” said Josh d'Amaro, head of the Disney Experiences segment, quoted by CNBC. “Our resort in Abu Zabi will be the most advanced and interactive place in our portfolio. Location – on a picturesque coast – will allow us to tell Disney's stories in a completely new way. This project will allow us to reach new guests and invite more families to the world of Disney than ever before. It will be much greater than everything that is now in this region.”
The island of Yas is an entertainment and shopping center. There are already Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Seaworld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, as well as the Formula 1 race track yas marina circuit. In this area there is also the largest shopping center in Abu Dhabi and a golf course.
After completing the Disney Park will offer thematic accommodation and a unique culinary and commercial experience, integrating the heritage of Storytelling Disney with the futuristic and cultural character of Abu Zabi.
Disney results in the USA positive, but foreign parks lose popularity
Despite concerns about the savings of American consumers, Disney parks in Florida and California were doing well – revenues increased by 9 percent. compared to the previous year. The expenses of guests in these parks also increased, and the cruise segment is also developing – especially after the introduction of the Disney Treasure ship into the fleet at the beginning of 2025.
In foreign segments, however, there were drops of attendance at Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland.
Increases in Disney+ and Hulu prices have contributed to an increase in streaming revenues by 8 percent. On an annual basis, although the company only announced the “slight increase” of the number of subscribers in the current quarter. Both websites have a total of about 180 million users.
The increase in the share rate on May 7 helped reduce this year's loss of Disney's value to about 8 percent.
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