Disney’s influence on the global entertainment landscape continues to grow, with the company pushing boundaries and exploring new markets. Recently, Disney announced its plans to build its seventh theme park—this time in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
This news marked a significant milestone for the company and the theme park industry as a whole. The park, to be located on Yas Island—already a well-known destination for thrilling experiences like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World—is expected to blend futuristic technology with sleek, contemporary architecture.
Related: Disney Drops Original Concept for Abu Dhabi Theme Park, Reveals New Plan
The announcement immediately sparked conversations across the world, ranging from excitement about the expansion to questions about the location choice. Countries like Australia expressed disappointment at missing out on the opportunity, while many others weighed the pros and cons of Disney venturing into the Middle East.
The decision to partner with Miral, a local Abu Dhabi leisure and entertainment company that will fully fund and operate the park, follows a model similar to Tokyo Disneyland’s partnership with The Oriental Land Co. This approach allows Disney to expand globally without pulling significant capital from its own resources.
Related: Bob Iger Reportedly Blocked Saudi Disneyland Before Approving Abu Dhabi Deal—Here’s Why It Matters
Amid these conversations, one unexpected figure voiced support for Disney’s bold move—former U.S. President Donald Trump. Known for his vocal opinions and sometimes contentious relationship with the entertainment industry, Trump surprised many by praising Disney’s new project.
Speaking with reporters, Trump shared that Disney CEO Bob Iger had personally visited the Oval Office to discuss the plans for the new park. Trump stated:
Disney – I see their new theme park is going to be incredible. Bob Iger was in my office the other day and he was showing it to me and it’s going to be incredible.
Related: Excited About Disney’s Abu Dhabi Park? Iger Says You’re Going to Be Waiting a Few Years
This praise is particularly notable given Trump’s prior criticisms of Disney-owned ABC and his legal battles with the company over controversial news coverage. Trump’s friendship with Ike Perlmutter, a former Marvel executive who parted ways with Disney amid disagreements over the company’s cultural direction, adds another layer of complexity to his recent supportive comments.
Trump has publicly applauded Perlmutter, suggesting that the executive left Marvel because it became too “woke,” joking about “woke Donald Duck” in the process.
Beyond his complicated ties to Disney, Trump’s enthusiasm for the Abu Dhabi project aligns with his substantial business dealings in the Middle East.
Trump is famous for his close ties to Middle East and has made the most of them. His comments about Disney come at the end of a week-long trade mission to the Middle East which has seen him secure $200 billion of deals in the UAE alone. They include a $14.5 billion commitment for local flag-carrier Etihad Airways to buy 28 Boeing aircraft and a $60 billion partnership between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and American energy companies including ExxonMobil.
This significant economic engagement helps explain why Trump views Disney’s decision favorably—seeing it as an extension of growing U.S. business presence in the region.
However, Disney’s choice has not been without controversy. Human rights concerns in Abu Dhabi have drawn criticism from fans and advocacy groups alike. Homosexuality remains illegal in the United Arab Emirates, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Women’s rights are also restricted in ways that diverge from Western norms, with many activities requiring permission from a male guardian. Disney must also navigate cultural expectations related to modesty; characters such as Minnie Mouse and Ariel are reportedly set to have their costumes redesigned to be more conservative, while female tourists will be expected to dress respectfully according to local customs.
Despite these challenges, the financial markets reacted positively. Disney’s stock price rose more than 10% following the announcement, signaling strong investor confidence in the park’s future success.
What do you think about Disney’s choice to build a park in Abu Dhabi? Would you consider traveling there to visit the new Disneyland Abu Dhabi, despite the complex social issues involved? Or do you believe Disney should focus on less controversial locations for its future expansions? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
