Fox News:

Disney, which infamously sparred with Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., over what the company claimed was a "Don’t Say Gay" bill, now plans to build a new theme park in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a Middle Eastern country that criminalizes homosexuality.

"This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity," Disney CEO Bob Iger said, adding that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati."

The UAE even banned the Disney-Pixar animated feature "Lightyear" from showing in movie theaters in 2022 after reports emerged that the film included a kiss between two female characters.

https://archive.is/Sml27

NPR:

Development on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island began less than 20 years ago, but it's grown to become a global theme park destination, with some of the most technologically sophisticated attractions in the world. Existing parks include attractions such as a 3D movie theater, the fastest roller coaster in the world and the coaster with the highest non-inverted loop. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi also holds a Guinness World Record as the planet's largest indoor marine theme park

Miral advertises itself as "being progressive" on its home page and touts its social responsibility strategy. The international organization Human Rights Watch lists a number of deeply repressive practices in the United Arab Emirates that include imprisoning academics, activists and arresting LGBTQ+ people.

"We did study the region very carefully, and we know we had many opportunities," Iger said during an earnings call on Wednesday. "Obviously, building a theme park in a location is a huge endorsement of the location."

https://archive.is/X2hTO