While American families continue grappling with inflation and skyrocketing vacation costs, Disney has chosen its next big venture—not in Ohio, Texas, or anywhere near Main Street USA—but in the Middle East. The entertainment conglomerate announced Wednesday it will open a massive new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, marking its seventh global location and first in the Arab world.
That’s right: the same company that’s shuttered attractions, jacked up prices, and gone all-in on woke culture wars at home is now chasing profits overseas—where values and audiences are far more traditional.
The new Disney-branded resort will rise on Yas Island, a luxury entertainment zone in the United Arab Emirates already home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The park, though Disney-branded and Disney-designed, won’t be funded by Disney itself. Instead, Emirati developer Miral will pay for the entire construction and ongoing operation, while Disney’s famous “Imagineers” lend their creative vision.
Translation: Disney keeps its financial risk low while reaping the rewards through royalties—another move that prioritizes shareholder growth over the American workforce or domestic investment.
Disney CEO Bob Iger, the architect behind the company’s far-left tilt in recent years, hailed the project as a “thrilling moment” and praised Abu Dhabi’s “appreciation of the arts and creativity.” In true globalist fashion, Iger gushed over the project’s international potential, calling it a “blending of contemporary architecture and cutting-edge technology.”
But the real message? Disney continues to focus on building theme park empires overseas while American families pay more and get less.
In a CNBC interview, Iger refused to commit to a timeline, but hinted the project would take roughly five years to build—placing its opening around 2030. He admitted that Disney had been considering the Middle East since 2017 or 2018, but delays came thanks to “leadership transitions” (read: the Chapek-Iger chaos) and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement comes as Disney tries to steer its sinking domestic ship. In its recent earnings call, the company reported that its “experiences division”—which includes theme parks, cruises, and merchandise—was one of the few bright spots in a shaky financial picture. The overseas expansion into Abu Dhabi is clearly part of a larger strategy to chase profits abroad, even if it means leaving American customers behind.
Disney executives were quick to highlight the business logic of the move: roughly one-third of the global population lives within a four-hour flight of Abu Dhabi, representing a potential customer base of 500 million people. It’s a clear bet on global markets—and a not-so-subtle signal that Disney’s future may be international, not American.
Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro called the Abu Dhabi resort “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” boasting a waterfront setting and futuristic amenities.
And yet, as Disney lays the foundation for a Middle Eastern mega-resort, families here at home are left wondering: why isn’t Disney building something spectacular in the heartland? Why are American values—once the very soul of Disney’s brand—being traded for foreign expansion and cultural appeasement?
The magic of Disney used to belong to every American family. Now, it seems the Magic Kingdom is packing its bags and heading overseas.
