Disney Reaffirms Commitment to Abu Dhabi Theme Park Amid Middle East Conflict

During its fiscal third‑quarter 2026 earnings webcast on August 5, Disney chief financial officer Hugh Johnston said the company remains “fully committed” to building the Yas Island theme‑park resort in Abu Dhabi, despite ongoing fuel‑price volatility and the broader Middle East conflict. The statement answered speculation that the regional crisis might force Disney or its development partner Miral to abandon the project.

Disney did not provide a construction start date or an opening year, and the company’s earlier May shareholder letter also noted that the strategic rationale for the Abu Dhabi development remains unchanged. Former Walt Disney Imagineer Jim Shull had warned that instability could delay the resort by several years, but Disney has not confirmed any delay, emphasizing the long‑term nature of the investment.