Disney expands its fantasy kingdom to the heart of the Persian Gulf. The U.S. company announced Wednesday the construction of a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, marking a new chapter in its global immersive entertainment strategy.

The new complex, to be built on Yas Island - home to other attractions such as Ferrari World and Warner Brothers World - will be developed in partnership with local group Miral, known for its role in turning Abu Dhabi into a world-class tourism and cultural hub.

"Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," said Robert Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. The promise, according to the official statement, is to combine the company's classic icons and narratives with the region's "vibrant culture, breathtaking coastline and awe-inspiring architecture."

Although the opening date has not yet been revealed, Disney's bet is clear: to conquer an emerging market that serves as a connecting point for millions of tourists from the Middle East, Africa, India, Europe and beyond. Iger also noted that for many potential visitors, getting to existing parks - in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai - can be time-consuming and expensive.

A strategic alliance with local flavor
In an unusual move for Disney, it will be Emirati partner Miral that will finance, build and operate the new park, with oversight from the U.S. company. "We're very confident in this part of the world, with this partner, that this is the right business arrangement," said Josh D'Amaro, president of Disney Experiences, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

D'Amaro also assured that it will be the brand's "most modern and technologically advanced" park, which could consolidate Abu Dhabi as a global hub for luxury family entertainment.

Favorable context and sustained expansion

The announcement comes on the heels of good financial news for the company. In its most recent quarterly report, Disney exceeded market expectations: its revenues grew 7% to US$23.6 billion, while its Disney+ platform added 1.4 million new subscribers, reaching 126 million.

The Parks and Experiences segment also reported a solid performance. Revenues reached $8.9 billion, with domestic operating profit up 13% to $1.8 billion.

The choice of the United Arab Emirates as the new venue is not only for commercial reasons. The announcement comes just ahead of Donald Trump's Middle East tour, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Emirates themselves. At a time of global tensions and strategic realignments, the decision seems to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties between Washington and Abu Dhabi.

With this bet, Disney not only adds a new star to its global map, but also positions itself in a key region for the future of tourism and immersive entertainment.

With information from AFP