Disney is poised to launch a new resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Getty)
Disney has revealed its intentions to establish a theme park in Abu Dhabi, located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where homosexuality is severely penalized.
In the UAE, engaging in same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both men and women, with potential consequences including imprisonment, chemical castration, flogging, heavy fines, deportation, and, in very rare cases, execution—typically by firing squad. Furthermore, same-sex relationships and transgender identities lack any legal recognition.
Moreover, Article 80 of the Abu Dhabi penal code condemns “unnatural sexual acts with another person,” carrying a possible sentence of up to 14 years of imprisonment, as reported by the Human Dignity Trust.
In a collaborative announcement made on May 7, just before a visit to the region by former US President Donald Trump, the local Miral Group disclosed its partnership with The Walt Disney Company to develop a “landmark Disney resort in Abu Dhabi,” which is set to be located on Yas Island.
(©Miral Disney elements © Disney)
Responses to the Announcement
The news has not been universally accepted, as some individuals voiced their concerns online. One commenter expressed skepticism about the partnership, stating, “How is that the Disney magic? I hope your partnership has a loophole… because this is unacceptable.”
Disney, I’m trying really hard not to lose faith in you, but why on earth would you open a park in Abu Dhabi, where being gay and trans is prohibited, and women often need a male guardian’s permission? This doesn’t seem like the Disney magic. I hope your partnership has a loophole…
Another individual shared their apprehension by saying, “Abu Dhabi’s record on women’s and LGBTQ rights is alarming. This is an intriguing choice made by Disney.”
Miral’s chairman, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, remarked, “What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is an entirely new world of imagination, an experience aimed at inspiring generations across the region and beyond, crafting magical moments and memories that families will cherish forever.”
Meanwhile, Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, stated, “This marks an exhilarating milestone for our company as we unveil plans to establish an enthralling theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, a culture rich in its appreciation of arts and creativity.”
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