Disney to Design, Miral to Fund: Abu Dhabi Details Emerge

Shortly after Disney and Miral announced a new Abu Dhabi theme park and resort, Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro went on CNBC to discuss the development with David Faber. The CEO and Experiences Chairman, respectively, shed more light on the deal structure that will bring Disney’s seventh resort to the region. In short, Miral will foot the bill and pay royalties and licensing fees to Disney. Unsurprisingly, the two executives refused to share concrete figures.

“Miral will fully fund this project. They will build the project. They’ve done phenomenal things here in Abu Dhabi. When it’s fully built out, they will operate it with oversight from [Disney].”

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences

Abu Dhabi Disneyland will be the second Disney destination not owned by the company. Tokyo Disney Resort is owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company, a deal that has worked out very well (especially for guests). Tokyo’s two Disney parks always receive high marks from visitors. Could Miral bring the heat like OLC? Time will tell. But they already operate two Yas Island parks (SeaWorld and Warner Bros.), so I like their chances.

The deal structure should also be welcome news to Disney fans concerned that an Abu Dhabi park would eat into the company’s parks budget. Iger was seemingly aware of that concern. When CNBC asked about deal specifics, Iger pivoted to Disney’s promise to turbocharge its parks around the world. He said $30 billion of that budget is earmarked for Disneyland and Disney World updates. “What this deal gives us the ability to do is to continue to invest the way we said we’d invest, particularly in the US.”

Iger also discussed why they chose Abu Dhabi: “They have shown a great interest in arts and creativity. They’ve been very methodical about how they’ve planned their land. And most importantly, they love Disney.” The UAE’s capital and surrounding regions can support Disney theme park prices. In addition to SeaWorld and Warner Bros, Yas Island is also home to Ferrari World and Waterworld.

While Miral will foot the bill, D’Amaro confirmed Disney and its Imagineers will retain creative control: “Disney will be responsible for all creative endeavors, all design, just like all of our experiences and parks around the world. We’ll obviously lend our hand in operational expertise. We want guests … to feel that same Disney Magic.”

Those Imagineers are already hard at work designing the park. Iger was non-committal when asked when we’ll see the fruits of their labor. “We’re not pinning down a date yet,” he said. “It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop it, and approximately five years to build, but we’re not making any commitments right now.” Based on that statement, it’s safe to assume the park won’t debut before 2032.

While opening a Disney park in the UAE makes financial sense, it raises ethical considerations. The UAE has faced criticism for its human rights record. Its laws criminalize homosexuality and gender nonconformity. The country has also come under scrutiny for its treatment of migrant workers, many of whom have faced exploitative labor conditions and limited protections. Disney, which champions inclusivity and family-friendly values, might have to address those issues at some point.

Read more: Disneyland Abu Dhabi to be Disney’s Seventh Resort