Ishrath Jaigirdar
Dubai, UAE
Disney’s latest theme park announcement will turbo-charge Abu Dhabi’s efforts to amp up its tourism and carve a niche on the globe. The venue is set to not only bring a wave of childhood nostalgia to adults who grew up watching Disney classics and showcase its legacy to children of this generation, but also will be a vital impetus for the capital’s economy. With only six such enthralling parks in the world, Abu Dhabi will proudly host the seventh wonder and the first of its kind in the Middle East, Africa, and a large portion of Asia. This strategic move brings Disneyland closer to a substantial global population, around 4.8 billion people, while solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position on the tourism map.
Disney’s entry in Abu Dhabi aligns with the city’s Tourism Strategy 2030 that aims to achieve 39.3 million visitors by 2030, when the park is anticipated to open. A significant impact on the real estate and tourism sectors is forecasted, driving up numbers of short-term rentals and hotel keys in the next decade. This will also support the creation of 178,000 new jobs, particularly in the capital’s burgeoning tourism industry. Strada studies suggest a 30 to 40 percent surge in revenue from this industry that will add Dh90 billion to the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030 as outlined by Tourism Strategy 2030.
Abu Dhabi has earned a reputation for bringing international entertainment venues to the UAE. Yas Island hosts three famous leisure destinations that boast world-class hospitality and riveting attractions as their trademark. Whether it is the adrenaline-pumping Ferrari World, the marine-touring SeaWorld, or the captivating Warner Bros theme park, Yas Island charts a unique path to transform Abu Dhabi into the quintessential entertainment hub, capturing the interests of both local visitors and international tourists.
Now with Disneyland highlighting its decorated profile, the capital will make headway into cementing itself as regional tourist hub, complementing established locations like Dubai. However, unlike Abu Dhabi’s borderless plan on tourism investment, Dubai is renowned for more local venues like IMG Worlds of Adventure, Ski Dubai, and Dubai Parks and Resorts. Moreover, Sharjah’s cultural richness and family-centric venues coupled with Ras Al Khaimah’s emerging coastal attractions will amplify UAE’s appeal as a global recreation haven offering a handsome dose of thrill and rejuvenation.
From an economic perspective, Abu Dhabi’s ambitious plan will catalyse growth in multiple key sectors, including real estate, tourism, and hospitality. The Disney theme park is highly likely to be more than a day’s tour, prompting multiple-day stays in the city. Tourist influx translates to demand spike for short term rentals and hotel rooms, signalling real estate boon. Hospitality brands will grab this opportunity to expand their footprint and cater to this burgeoning tourist flow, while investors will see potential in converting their residential assets into holiday homes that promise higher returns.
Ben Crompton, Managing Partner, Crompton Partners, said, “The Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi is set to significantly boost the real estate market, especially in the hotel and holiday home sectors. Short-term rental demand around Yas Island is expected to rise, prompting developers to introduce more furnished units and branded residences tailored to tourists. The theme park enhances Abu Dhabi’s global appeal, attracting hospitality brands and shifting investor attention beyond Dubai. With job creation across tourism and hospitality, both rental and ownership demand will grow. More than a tourism win, Disney’s arrival points to long-term confidence in Abu Dhabi’s vision, positioning it as a maturing, globally relevant real estate market.”
Other sectors such as construction and logistics will benefit once the park commences ground-breaking. Furthermore, employment rates are projected to jump in these sectors, bringing in more talents and labour as well as promoting demand in the residential sector.
In the long run, Abu Dhabi will not only benefit from the touristic craze driven by Disney’s foray in this part of the world, but also witness exponential economic growth by developing this asset.
The move indicates UAE’s foresight beyond an oil-dependent nation, diversifying its assets to future-proof and sustain its economy. This will be instrumental in promoting UAE as an attractive destination for families, travel-bugs, and investors.
Ends
Also read: Disney theme park resort officially debuts in MENA region
