Disney Goes to Abu Dhabi: New Theme Park Will Come With Steep Cultural Hurdles" /> <script type="application/ld+json" class="yoast-schema-graph

Government

Walt Disney Company’s proposed  $10 billion park in Abu Dhabi is a coup for the capital of the tiny Gulf state United Arab Emirates, and opens the door for the global entertainment conglomerate to spread its magic to a new market. But the challenges that come with this new opportunity may be just as striking. Disney’s first expansion into the Middle East — and specifically the Arabian Gulf — comes with its own distinct hurdles and is sure to raise complex cultural questions. Some of the company’