However, there are obvious design implications when it comes to building a theme park in Abu Dhabi. Orlando gets hot, but summer temperatures in the United Arab Emirates can pass 50°C (122°F). As a result, Miral says that, like its other theme parks on Yas Island, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be entirely indoors.

Disney's new theme park will be located on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, about 8,400 miles away from Anaheim, California – the site of the first Disneyland that opened in 1955. "You start thinking about what is possible, actually envisioning a castle rising up in this case from the sand and also being on the water," Iger said.

For the first time in 15 years, the Walt Disney Company has announced the development of a new theme park - a resort destination in Abu Dhabi that marks the company’s entry into the Middle East.