As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate due to a war with Iran, Disney and Miral seemingly have reinforced a commitment to the previously announced Disneyland Abu Dhabi theme park resort project. The affirmation not only comes at a dangerous time for the Middle East, but it follows a shakeup in the Disney Experiences business following the ascension of previous Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro to the role of CEO. Here’s the latest.
Disney, Miral Committed to Disneyland Abu Dhabi Theme Park Despite Iran War
The latest development in the Disneyland Abu Dhabi project comes via a social media post from Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO – Miral and Chairman of Miral Destinations. In the post, Al Zaabi shared a photo with Tasia Filippatos, newly appointed President & Managing Director of Disney Parks International.
Notably, the meeting took place in London (which is where Filippatos is based), away from the conflict in the Middle East, which is a result of President Donald Trump’s war with Iran. Here’s the post, followed by more details.
It was a pleasure to meet Tasia Filippatos in London this week, following her recent appointment as President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International.
Tasia brings with her a remarkable depth of global experience and a proven track record in shaping world-class destination experiences, underpinned by a strong strategic vision for the future of the industry.
Our discussions were both insightful and forward-looking, reinforcing the importance of strong international partnerships in driving innovation and excellence across the industry. As we continue to advance our collaboration on Disney Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, we at Miral are excited about the opportunities ahead to create a truly iconic destination for the UAE and the region, that brings Disney storytelling to life in new and inspiring ways.
We look forward to working closely with Tasia in her new role and wish her every success as she leads and strengthens Disney’s international resort relationships around the world.
The meeting with Filippatos is the first that we know of between Disney and Miral following the start of the Iran war. The UAE was targeted by Iran in a series of retaliatory strikes against several Gulf states following the bombing of Iran by the Trump administration.
According to reports, Tehran has launched 352 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and more than 1,700 drones at the UAE since the war began. The attacks have killed eight people and left 161 injured, so far.
Iran has targeted multiple areas within the UAE, including the Zayed International Airport, which is located just 10 minutes from the planned Disneyland Abu Dhabi theme park site.
Of course, the Iran war has not been mentioned by Miral or Disney, but it is a significant development as it relates to the Disneyland Abu Dhabi project.
While many in the Disney fandom thought the Iran war could end the Disneyland Abu Dhabi project, or put it on hold, indications from Miral are that the project is moving forward. Disney has not made a formal statement.
That said, Disneyland Abu Dhabi was one of the projects highlighted in the recent Annual Meeting of Shareholders, when Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro took over from Bob Iger. The inclusion of Disneyland Abu Dhabi by D’Amaro seemed to signal that the project was still moving forward. In an updated bio for Filippatos in her new role, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is mentioned in the opening paragraph.
The biggest indication of a vote of confidence from Disney for the Abu Dhabi project was certainly the recent meeting between Al Zaabi and Filippatos, with Al Zaabi painting it as a productive meeting as it relates to Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
As a reminder, the Disneyland Abu Dhabi project development, build-out, and operations will be funded by Miral, a real estate development, management, and investment company that is well-known for its entertainment and cultural complexes on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience, but Miral will fund and operate the resort.
At the time, then-CEO Bob Iger likened the deal to that of the agreement for Tokyo Disney Resort. Iger said that the deal is structured in a way that Disney will have total control of the design and creative of the park, but that Disney would have “considerable oversight” in the operations as well.
Now-CEO Josh D’Amaro said that he and Iger were impressed by Miral and what they’ve done with the region. D’Amaro said that Disney would be responsible for all creative and design. He said that Disney would “lend a hand in operational expertise”, noting that Disney always strives to create a familiar, magical experience at any of its destinations around the world. D’Amaro said that “essentially this would be royalty-based”.
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