Disney to open theme park in the UAE, where homosexuality is outlawed
Disney is set to open a new resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Getty)
Disney is set to open a new resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Getty)
Disney have announced plans to open a theme park in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where homosexuality can be punished with the death penalty.
Gay sex is illegal for men and women in the UAE and punishment includes imprisonment, chemical castration, flogging, fines, deportation and, in rare circumstances, execution – usually by firing squad. There is also no legal recognition of same-sex relationships or trans people.
In addition, Article 80 of the Abu Dhabi criminal code punishes “unnatural sex with another person” with up to 14 years in prison, according to the Human Dignity Trust.
In a joint announcement on Wednesday (7 May), just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s visit to the region, the local Miral Group announced that its partnership with The Walt Disney Company aimed to create a “landmark Disney resort in Abu Dhabi”. It will be built on Yas Island.
‘How is that the Disney Magic?’
The news wasn’t immediately welcomed by everyone, with one person writing on social media: “How is that the Disney magic? I hope your partnership has a loophole… because this is bulls**t.”
Disney I am trying my fucking best not to give up on you but why the fuck would you open up a park in Abu Dhabi where being gay and trans is illegal and women have to sometimes ask a male guardian for approval. How is that the Disney magic. I hope your partnership has a loophole… https://t.co/aAffNb5waE pic.twitter.com/uc7cseiuzY
— Bella (🍿🫶🏾Cinematically Emotional) (@BellaLoveNote) May 7, 2025
Someone else wrote: “Abu Dhabi’s track record on female and LGBTQ rights is concerning. Interesting choice by Disney.”
Miral’s chairman, Mohamed Khalifa al Mubarak, said: “What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination, an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever.”
And Disney chief executive Bob Iger said: “This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity.”
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
