Disney to open park in Abu Dhabi

This is a bit of a head scratcher, I am sure that they have the numbers and research that says it makes sense - but that whole market in the Middle East is a mystery to me. I wonder if it's a project that Disney would have embarked on on their own, it seems the financial risk is all on Miral but the reputational risk is on Disney.

Each time I've been to any of the parks in the region they have been DEAD - not quiet ... DEAD. More employees than guests. I am not sure if it's a seasonal thing - but I've seen a lot of people say similar things at all times of year.

As well as Ferrari World, Miral also own SeaWorld, Warner Bros and Yas Waterworld in the vicinity and down the road in Dubai there is Motiongate, Legoland, Real Madrid World (formerly the Bollywood park), IMG Words of Adventure etc. A lot of development - so much development!

The most curious thing about the concept art is that a lot of it looks outdoors - that would be an interesting move in that climate. Perhaps in reality it will be less so.

I've heard the same quite a bit. I know there was a post-covid rush of Europeans going there, but it doesn't strike me as a long-term thing. The world isn't crazy about their civil rights record.

Will Minnie be required to wear a Burqa?

Re: civil rights, I do find it odd that the company that came out publicly against the "don't say gay" legislation is going in on a project where people can be put in jail for being gay or crossdressing.

It is strange. Also, none of these big tourism projects there seem to really take off, as far as I can tell by photos on the Internet.

kpjb:

I do find it odd that the company that came out publicly against the "don't say gay" legislation is going in on a project where people can be put in jail for being gay or crossdressing.

Sometimes you make money one way. Sometimes you make it another.

Rightly, or wrongly - when any company takes a moral stance on something, I am always a little bit dubious.

You mean DUBAI-ous.

Very punny.

There are also 4 F1 races that are the least attended on the calendar. Those aren’t cheap but they sure look good on TV… They’re rehabing their image before the oil runs out.

This might be a case of, what do you buy the person who has everything? These uber wealthy people need something to spend their money on and probably aren't as worried about ROI as the commoner. They COULD go visit a Disney park, but wouldn't it be better to have their own?

Orlando but 20° warmer is so appealing though.