Disney’s Global Expansion: How Human Rights in the UAE and China Shape Fan Reactions
While Disney once brought the Middle East to life through fantasy in its animated classic, Aladdin, its real-world expansion into Abu Dhabi invites far more complex questions—about culture, inclusion, and corporate responsibility.
The Walt Disney Company’s recent announcement that it will build a new theme park resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sparked debate among fans—particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. While excitement around a new Disney resort is typical, this news has also drawn criticism due to the UAE’s ongoing restrictions on same-sex relationships and personal freedoms.
However, Disney has operated a major resort in China—Shanghai Disneyland—since 2016, a country with its own troubling human rights record. Interestingly, U.S. consumers and Disney influencers have generally embraced Shanghai Disneyland, while the UAE announcement has faced louder pushback.
This post explores the complex differences in social justice issues, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of expression between the UAE and China—and how those differences shape the public's reaction to Disney’s global footprint.
But first, please understand I am in no way an expert on these issues. I have no basis for expert opinion on the complexities and nuances of international human rights law nor do I have a business degree. I am, however, a curious individual who, from time to time, reserves the right to ask questions and explore the relevancy of seemingly contradictory behavior from a certain perspective - especially as it pertains to the brands I support and, more importantly, the people I care for.
Bear with me. I’m here to learn.
concept art released by Disney of the proposed disney | abu dhabi project and a photo from the ANNOUNCEMENT eventDisney in the UAE: Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Rights
The UAE has made headlines in recent years for its efforts to promote itself as a luxury tourist destination, complete with international art festivals, World Expos, and soon—a Disney resort. However, despite its modern image, the country continues to enforce anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Same-sex relationships are criminalized, and public discussion or advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights is prohibited under federal law. In some cases, expressions of gender or sexual identity can lead to arrest or deportation.
According to Human Rights Watch (2024), the UAE maintains "severe restrictions on free expression, association, and assembly," particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and migrant workers. These policies have led many Disney fans—especially within the LGBTQ+ community—to question the company's commitment to inclusion.
Disney’s Inclusion Messaging
Disney has made inclusion a key pillar of its brand in recent years, celebrating Pride Month, adding LGBTQ+ characters to its content, and adopting the "Inclusion is for Everyone" slogan in parks and media. Critics argue that building a resort in a country where LGBTQ+ people lack legal protections feels inconsistent with that messaging and leads one to wonder if the rhetoric around inclusion stateside is merely a marketing tactic to increase revenue rather a genuine core value.
Shanghai Disneyland: Why China’s Human Rights Record Gets Less Attention
In contrast, Shanghai Disneyland is widely embraced by Disney fans globally. Travel bloggers, YouTubers, and park influencers often document their visits to the park, praising its unique attractions, advanced technology, and cultural design.
But China has a deeply problematic human rights record, including:
Mass detention and surveillance of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang (Amnesty International, 2023)
Tight government censorship over media, internet, and personal expression
Crackdowns on democracy movements, particularly in Hong Kong
Censorship of LGBTQ+ content in film, TV, and online platforms
Despite this, Disney’s presence in China has not provoked the same sustained public outcry seen with the UAE announcement. In fact, the company often faces greater scrutiny over how it navigates Chinese censorship than over the broader social justice climate.
Photo: Disney Photoblogography - Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland
Past Controversies: Filming Mulan in Xinjiang
Not to be overlooked, Disney previously faced backlash for filming parts of its 2020 live-action remake of Mulan in China’s Xinjiang region, an area internationally condemned for human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim population. Viewers and human rights organizations criticized Disney after it was revealed that the film's credits thanked several government entities associated with the region’s internment camps and surveillance operations. The controversy drew attention to the ethical implications of filming in politically sensitive locations and sparked renewed debate about Disney's global corporate responsibilities.
LGBTQ+ Rights in the UAE and China: A Comparative Overview
The announcement of Disney's new theme park in Abu Dhabi has reignited discussions about the company's commitment to inclusivity, especially concerning LGBTQ+ rights. Both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China present complex landscapes regarding LGBTQ+ issues, each with distinct legal frameworks and societal attitudes.
In the UAE:
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized under both federal and emirate-specific laws. For instance, Abu Dhabi's penal code prescribes imprisonment of up to 14 years for consensual same-sex relations . While prosecutions are reportedly rare, the legal framework allows for severe penalties, and enforcement can be unpredictable.
Transgender individuals also face legal challenges. The expression of gender identity that does not align with traditional norms can lead to criminal charges, and there have been instances of arrests for cross-dressing.
Moreover, reports have highlighted instances of involuntary medical and psychological "treatments" for individuals suspected of same-sex activity, including forced hormone therapies and detentions.
In China:
China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997, and it was removed from the official list of mental illnesses in 2001.However, LGBTQ+ individuals still face significant challenges. There are no laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and same-sex marriages are not legally recognized .
Censorship of LGBTQ+ content is prevalent. Authorities have shut down LGBTQ+ organizations, deleted social media accounts, and arrested individuals for producing LGBTQ+ themed content .
Transgender individuals seeking to change their legal gender face stringent requirements, including undergoing specific medical procedures. While some progress has been made in recent years, societal discrimination remains widespread.
Implications for Disney
Disney's expansion into regions with restrictive LGBTQ+ laws raises questions about the company's commitment to inclusivity. While the company has taken stands on LGBTQ+ issues in the United States, its international ventures, such as the new park in Abu Dhabi, suggest a complex balancing act between business interests and advocacy.
The differing legal and social landscapes in the UAE and China highlight the challenges multinational corporations face when operating in countries with varying human rights records. As global audiences become more aware and vocal about these issues, companies like Disney may find it increasingly difficult to navigate these complexities without facing criticism.
Treatment of Jewish Communities
In consideration of other potentially marginalized communities in the Middle East we should look at the Jewish population in the region and compare social norms to China as well.
In the UAE:
Historically, the UAE had limited Jewish presence, with instances of antisemitism reported in the past. However, the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020 marked a significant shift, leading to increased Jewish tourism and the establishment of synagogues. Despite these advancements, concerns persist, especially following the 2024 murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, which was deemed an antisemitic act by Israeli authorities.
In China:
China has a small Jewish population, primarily in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. While there is no formal recognition of Judaism, Jewish communities have historically been tolerated. However, recent years have seen increased restrictions on religious practices, including Judaism, as part of broader government policies on religious expression.
Why the Public Reaction Is Different
Familiarity and Normalization
Disney’s relationship with China is not new. With Shanghai Disneyland open since 2016 and long-standing film market partnerships in place, many U.S. consumers view China as a normalized part of Disney’s global strategy—even if they disagree with the country’s policies.
2. Visibility of LGBTQ+ Issues
The UAE’s explicit anti-gay laws strike a more visible chord with Disney fans who identify as LGBTQ+ or as allies. These issues feel more personal and immediate, particularly since Disney parks are seen as safe spaces for self-expression and family.
3. Selective Advocacy
Some critics argue that consumer activism often focuses on issues that feel emotionally direct (like LGBTQ+ rights), while larger but more complex violations (such as ethnic cleansing or surveillance) in other countries receive less sustained attention. This isn't unique to Disney; in my observations, it's a broader pattern in Western consumer behavior.
Impact of Social Media and Influencer Culture
The rise of social media platforms in more recent years has significantly influenced public perception and discourse. Disney influencers and fans have used platforms like TikTok and Instagram to express concerns over the Abu Dhabi park, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in Disney's commitment to inclusivity.
In contrast, when Shanghai Disneyland was announced in the early 2010s, social media was less pervasive, resulting in fewer public debates about China's human rights record in relation to Disney's expansion.
Disney’s Balancing Act: Inclusion vs. Global Growth
For Disney, the challenge is clear: how to expand globally while maintaining the values that define its brand for millions of fans. As the company builds new parks and enters new markets, it faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance on human rights and freedom of identity.
The Walt Disney Company has not yet issued a detailed statement about how it plans to navigate LGBTQ+ issues in the UAE resort. Past precedent suggests the company will operate within local legal frameworks while attempting to preserve its own brand values wherever possible. In China, for instance, Disney has complied with state censorship rules but has faced criticism from human rights groups for doing so.
Conclusion: Holding Companies Accountable in All Markets
There are no perfect answers when it comes to global expansion in countries with repressive laws. However, it’s important for fans and consumers to examine these developments critically and consistently. Both the UAE and China impose significant restrictions on marginalized communities—but in different ways, and with different public responses.
Disney's planned expansion into Abu Dhabi underscores the complexities multinational corporations face when aligning business strategies with stated values. As global audiences become more connected and vocal, companies like Disney must navigate the challenges of growth while maintaining authenticity and social responsibility.
If you recall, Disney put up quite the fight and exerted much effort in the face of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. It’s evidence that when properly motivated, the Mouse can influence and effect change in government - but I guess only if the price is right.
If fans hold Disney accountable in the UAE, similar scrutiny should also apply to its ongoing operations in China. The goal isn’t to boycott international projects but to advocate for consistency, transparency, and a global standard of inclusion that matches the company’s promises.
Alright… that’s it for now.