Wed May 09, 2018 10:12 am
Is a Saudi Arabia Disneyland going to happen?
Disney CEO Bob Iger has admitted to discussing the possibility of building yet another Disney Resort, this time in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi is changing currently with a new vision, Vision 2030 is a plan to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, sort out its human rights, and develop public service sectors, including recreation and tourism (they are currently building a Six Flags park). Amidst all of this massive reform, Iger met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last month. He then spoke with the Council on Foreign Affairs about the possibility of bringing Disney to Saudi Arabia.
“…he made an impassioned plea to me to consider building Disneyland in Saudi Arabia,” Iger said. “And I listened with curiosity and somewhat of an open mind. And I explained that when we make decisions like this, we consider cultural issues, economic issues, and political issues. And this was—and it’s—it may seem simple, but it’s far more complex. I ended up saying that I would visit and see for myself, but that in no way should be interpreted to mean we’re developing a park, but that I would listen—but I’m a fun—I often say to the senior executives of Disney, if you don’t go you can’t grow,” Iger said.
So yeah, I don't really know what to think about this. I do think the Middle East could be a possible future Disney location, but not in Saudi, not this soon. It would be a better fit in the UAE as they are better with tourists. But I guess we'll see.

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