Disneyland Abu Dhabi has become the most talked-about project coming to Yas Island. But until now, much of the thinking behind Disney’s decision to bring its first Middle East resort to the UAE capital has remained behind closed doors.
That has changed with the release of Disney Worldbuilders, a new Disney+ documentary offering a rare look at the ideas and conversations that helped shape the company’s decision.
And whilst Abu Dhabi’s approach to providing entertainment was undoubtedly an important factor, the documentary suggests there was considerably more to the choice than just pure vibes.
Abu Dhabi’s Location Was the Major Attraction
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger explains in the documentary that the company had been considering different international opportunities before settling on Abu Dhabi.
One particularly compelling detail is the capital’s accessibility. Around a third of the world’s population can reach the region within approximately four hours by air, putting the future resort within relatively easy reach of a huge international audience.
A City That Thinks Big
Another trigger for the decision was the emirate’s character, from its mix of natural environments to its growing focus on culture and glowing reputation for tourism.
For Disney, that creates an interesting opportunity. Rather than simply transplanting an existing theme park concept to the region, the company has the chance to develop something that draws inspiration from its surroundings.
Abu Dhabi’s leadership also sees creativity as an important part of the emirate’s future, with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak highlighting the role creative industries can play in bringing people and ideas together.
That shared outlook may be the most telling part of the story. Disney has the storytelling expertise, whilst Abu Dhabi has the ambition, space, and critically the appetite for something entirely new.
The result will be Disney’s seventh theme park resort destination and its first in the Middle East, with the Yas Island project expected to become another major addition to the capital’s ever-growing entertainment offering.
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