Things Disney Might Censor for Their Abu Dhabi Theme Park
Disney’s newest park promises magic with Middle Eastern flair—but may leave certain characters and costumes at the gate.
A New Park, A New Playbook
On May 7, 2025, Disney announced plans for its seventh global theme park destination—this time on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. According to the Daily Mail, the new resort is a collaboration with the Abu Dhabi-based Miral group. Disney CEO Bob Iger described it as "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," aiming to fuse iconic characters with regional cultural and legal expectations.
But behind the magic, Disney is preparing a long list of modifications to ensure compliance with the UAE’s conservative cultural laws—including censorship of characters, costumes, and guest behavior.
What’s Likely to Change in Abu Dhabi
Character Design and Costuming:
Ariel’s wardrobe: The Little Mermaid’s trademark bikini top is expected to be redesigned with full coverage to comply with modesty standards.
Minnie Mouse makeover: Minnie’s short polka-dot dress will likely be replaced by a longer, more modest version better suited for a family-focused Middle Eastern park.
Banning of LGBTIQ+ Characters:
Middle East specialist Corina Goetz told the Daily Mail she expects Disney’s LGBTIQ+ characters to be excluded entirely, given the UAE’s strict anti-LGBTIQ+ laws. This aligns with statements from the U.S. State Department, which confirms that same-sex relationships are criminalized in the country.
Visitor Dress Code:
Guests will be expected to follow the UAE’s public modesty laws, avoiding clothing that shows excessive skin (e.g., tank tops, short shorts). Bikinis will likely be limited to pool areas only. Per Disney’s existing policy, layered clothing may also be searched on entry—especially in high-security zones.
Image: Disney
Disney Has Censored Before: Global Context
Disneyland Paris:
Alcohol was initially banned at the park’s opening in 1992 to maintain a family-friendly image, but later permitted after pushback from French guests (The Washington Post, 2017).
American elements were scaled back in favor of European fairy tales and architecture (Sabrina Mittermeier, 2021).
Hong Kong Disneyland:
Food menus were adjusted to include local favorites like dim sum.
Feng Shui principles were used in park layout, including angled entrances and avoidance of unlucky numbers (Mittermeier, 2021).
Shanghai Disneyland:
Avoided politically sensitive topics, like Tiananmen Square or Tibet.
Removed Western-style displays of affection and toned down character interactions to respect Chinese norms (The Washington Post, 2016).
Tokyo Disneyland:
Attractions were localized with Japanese themes. The Haunted Mansion featured yūrei (traditional Japanese ghosts).
Halloween and Christmas events embraced “kawaii” culture and seasonal Japanese traditions (Mittermeier, 2021).
Walt Disney World (U.S.):
Splash Mountain was re-themed in 2024 to remove references to Song of the South after criticism over racist stereotypes (The Washington Post, 2024).
Abu Dhabi Laws and Customs Disney Must Follow
Dress Code:
Expected: Covered shoulders and knees, loose-fitting clothing for women, and modest attire for men.
Not allowed: Tight clothing, spaghetti straps, shorts above the knee, or midriff-baring outfits. Disney will likely enforce stricter standards than its U.S. parks.
Behavior and Expression:
Expected: Respectful conduct, especially during religious holidays like Ramadan.
Not allowed: Public displays of affection, LGBTIQ+ visibility, swearing, or behavior deemed offensive. Violations can result in fines or arrests.
Cultural and Legal Sensitivities:
Tourists must avoid photographing government or military buildings, and public criticism of the UAE government is illegal under cybercrime laws.
What Tourists Can Expect at Disney’s Abu Dhabi Park
Family-Friendly Emphasis:
Expect classic Disney entertainment, toned down for modesty. LGBTIQ+ characters will be excluded, and costume redesigns will reflect regional norms.
Cultural Integration:
Emirati influences will likely shape the park’s design. A souk-style market, regional architecture, and Arabian folklore-inspired attractions could appear alongside Disney favorites.
Dining and Alcohol:
Alcohol will be available only in licensed hotel venues—not in public park spaces. Halal food options will be standard.
Special Observances:
During Ramadan, dining options may be limited before sunset, and the park will likely include nighttime celebrations for Eid.
Security and Conduct:
Security measures will be tight. Disney is expected to enforce a stricter dress and conduct code than in Western parks.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s upcoming Abu Dhabi park marks a bold blend of brand and region, merging fairy tale fantasy with Sharia-compliant realities. The company’s long-standing practice of adapting park content to fit local laws will be tested in new ways—through redesigned characters, omitted representation, and culturally tailored entertainment. Whether it’s a modern marvel or a sanitized spin on Disney magic will ultimately depend on how visitors—and the global public—respond.
Sources:
Daily Mail, “Disney’s First Middle East Park Will Ban LGBT Characters and Redesign Ariel’s Bikini to Reflect ‘Modesty Laws’ in Abu Dhabi,” May 8, 2025
Sabrina Mittermeier, A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks, 2021
MagicGuides.com, “Disney Parks Around the World: How They Adapt to Local Culture,” 2025
The Washington Post, “Why Disneyland Paris Struggled to Win Over Locals,” 2017
The Washington Post, “Shanghai Disneyland’s Censored Reality,” 2016
The Washington Post, “Disney Rethemes Splash Mountain,” 2024
Best at Travel, “Travel Guide to the UAE,” 2021
This news comes to us via the Daily Mail and multiple global sources, verified as of May 8, 2025.