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Josh D’Amaro Confirms Disneyland Abu Dhabi Plans Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
During the Q2 2026 earnings call—the first under new CEO Josh D’Amaro—The Walt Disney Company addressed the elephant in the room: the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the Disneyland Abu Dhabi project. Despite the instability in the region, D’Amaro and CFO Hugh Johnston emphasized that the “strategic logic” of the project is unchanged.
Related – Josh D’Amaro Reports Record Revenue for Walt Disney Company in First Quarter 2026
Addressing the Regional Climate
The project, located on Yas Island, has faced questions from analysts regarding its feasibility as regional warfare impacts energy shipping and defense spending in the Gulf. However, Disney leadership clarified that they view the theme park as a long-term investment that transcends current geopolitical fluctuations.
The “Capital-Light” Advantage
D’Amaro highlighted that the project’s structure is a key reason for their continued confidence. By using a capital-light model, Disney is able to maintain a presence in the region without the massive financial exposure of a traditional resort build:
- Miral’s Role: The Abu Dhabi-based developer Miral is responsible for the full financing, construction, and operation of the resort.
- Disney’s Security: This licensing model allows Disney to earn royalties and management fees while the local partner absorbs the primary financial and security risks associated with the regional climate.
A Focus on the Future
While industry veterans like Jim Shull have noted that supply chain disruptions and a “tourism vacuum” could delay the project’s early 2030s opening, Disney is currently focused on the “enjoyable exchange of ideas” and creative design phases. By signaling their commitment now, Disney is betting that the “Gateway to the East” will be a cornerstone of their global portfolio for decades to come, regardless of the current landscape.
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