Disney and Dubai...will it ever happen?

[ChrisFL]

This isn't technically news or a rumor but thought this would be the best place to discuss it.

So far, with the news that Dubai, in it's extreme bid to have many parks built there, including so far, Universal, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Discovery Cove and Six Flags even, I was wondering if Disney would eventually have plans to build a park there. Do you think it would be a good move on Disney's part?

Thoughts?

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I don't even think it's a good idea for all those other parks to be putting them there. I realize it's a growing tourist destination but it's still a LONG way from even Western Europe with a low population density nearby. While one can never say never, I doubt Disney is going to go there until at least all the other parks are up and running AND successful.

BobK/Orlando

 

[harmonium]

I'd say it is doubtful. Combined with the location, Dubai in and of itself is an attraction. Disney is not like a McDonalds where it needs to spread everywhere.

 

[KYMickey]

Maybe with all their money Disney can get Dubai to build in World Showcase! It would be a great promotion for Dubai to get tourists interested in the country and they certainly have the money to build a spectacular pavilion. Maybe they could even try building the tallest building in Florida since they already have the tallest building in the world!

 

[Dopey420]

Disney is DEFINITELY interested in the Arab market. I saw an article recently about their interest in the Arab market. I can't remember where.....

Dubai is trying to build "the" tourist destination for the Middle East becasue their oil is going to run out.

Have you seen the "Palm of Dubai"???!!!???

 

[KYMickey]

Dubai is building many times more occupancies than it has citizens and visitors. The only reason they are able to build so much is because of our money that's paying for oil. Once the oil dries up so will Dubai! The real estate market there is extremely inflated and the bottom will drop out before long. None of the major developments are owned or financed from outside interests since everyone realizes this will happen sooner or later.

 

[deej696]

While I have wanted to visit Dubai for quite some time, Disney building a park there will not motivate me any more. The Burj al Arab hotel is enough for me Dubai actually receives very little of their income from oil - less than 10%. Their income comes largely from trade/shipping, and financial services, given their location between Europe and Asia While only time will tell if their real estate/financial bubble will burst, it wont be because the oil dried up, because that is such a small percentage of income. Personally, I am not opposed to more Disney parks, but I would like to see them boost attendance at Hong Kong, and get Paris on solid financial footing before looking at opening another resort. To open a park in Dubai would be merely jumping on the bandwagon, and thats not Disney's way...

 

[harmonium]

I was thinking that maybe not a theme park, but possbily a DVC resort.

 

[sadjak]

Dubai actually receives very little of their income from oil - less than 10%.

That is a very accurate statement that nobody seems to know.

 

[Golf4food]

That is a very accurate statement that nobody seems to know.

Quite so. I've seen a few history channel international specials on Dubai and it seems that they really have their act together - avoiding using oil as a crutch and developing as many other major revenue streams as possible so that when the demand for oil dries up, their economy doesn't.

I could see them becoming a major player in the tourist world (they already are in many ways), which could eventually lead to a Disney property of some sorts.