The Walt Disney Company is navigating a complex workforce landscape. On one hand, reports confirm a major new theme park project in the Middle East that promises to create tens of thousands of jobs. On the other, the company is once again cutting jobs in California, continuing a trend that has rattled the entertainment industry.
Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the company’s first theme park resort in the Middle East and its seventh worldwide, is set to become a significant economic force in the region. Situated on Yas Island—a growing entertainment hub also home to Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World—the park will blend Disney’s iconic storytelling with local culture and innovation.
The park will be owned and operated by Miral under a licensing agreement with Disney, similar to the arrangement at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Massive Job Creation Expected Around Disneyland Abu Dhabi
According to the Khaleej Times, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will generate upwards of 30,000 jobs spanning construction, operations, and tourism services. Pedro Lacerda, Senior Vice President at TASC Group, said, “More than 30,000 jobs are expected to be created in the construction, operations, and tourism-related service sectors as a result of Disneyland Abu Dhabi.”
The impact goes beyond direct employment. Lacerda added that the Disney mega project is projected to spark business growth in retail, transportation, hospitality, real estate, logistics, and entertainment sectors. Local experts highlight that the park’s influence will ripple through the region’s economy, opening new avenues for investment and workforce development.
Specialized roles will be in demand, ranging from hospitality staff to skilled professionals fluent in multiple languages. Shayan Sultan from Fragomen pointed out that Emiratisation policies, designed to increase local employment, will shape hiring practices. The park’s ambitious scope also anticipates a surge in creative and technological roles, including costume designers, animators, and stage managers.
As Disneyland Abu Dhabi integrates cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance guest experiences, the park (which will apparently be indoors to escape the Saudi summer heat) will seek AI specialists such as prompt engineers and experience designers. These roles will ensure Disney’s signature human touch is maintained while leveraging real-time systems and responsive environments.
California Faces Another Round of Layoffs
While the new theme park promises growth abroad, California is experiencing renewed job cuts. Disney’s television division has seen significant layoffs affecting corporate finance, casting, development, marketing, and publicity roles. Most affected employees are based in Los Angeles.
Although Disney has not publicly released the exact number of layoffs, insiders confirm the cuts began Monday, continuing a pattern of workforce reductions. Over the past year, Disney has eliminated 7,000 jobs as part of CEO Bob Iger’s $7.5 billion cost-cutting strategy.
This downsizing reflects the larger shift within the entertainment industry, where traditional television struggles against the rise of streaming platforms. Despite these challenges, Iger has committed to investing in Disney’s parks and experiential offerings, including Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
As Disney recalibrates its focus, the contrast between job losses in California and job creation abroad illustrates the company’s evolving priorities and the global scope of its operations.
What do you think about Disney’s latest workforce moves and expansion plans?
