When it comes to dreams, magic, and global entertainment, few names are as tantamount as Walt Disney. What started in 1923 as a small animation studio has since grown into a worldwide cultural phenomenon, shaping not only the film industry but also theme parks, television, and streaming.
The Walt Disney Company is a name that evokes joy, wonder, and excitement in nearly every corner of the globe. But there’s one region where Disney’s influence has blossomed remarkably in recent years – the Middle East. From box-office smashes to the unstoppable rise of Disney+, Disney’s strategic focus on the Middle East is creating a whole new world of possibilities.
Let’s explore how Disney, a company that began with a mouse, has not only conquered the entertainment world but also found its way into the hearts of millions in the Middle East.
Dream big, work hard
Before diving into the complexities of Disney’s global and regional expansion, it’s essential to remember the philosophy behind the brand. Walt Disney, the man behind the magic, once said: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” This courage and belief in pursuing dreams are the bedrock upon which the company was built. Walt wasn’t just an animator; he was a visionary, a dreamer, and someone who never accepted limits. When his first creation, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, was taken from him, he came up with Mickey Mouse – a character that would go on to define the brand and the industry.
Since then, Disney has mastered the art of storytelling, connecting with audiences from all walks of life. Today, Disney’s empire stretches across continents, languages, and cultures. Whether it’s through films, theme parks, television shows, or streaming services, Disney continues to inspire and entertain, staying true to Walt’s original vision.
The $82bn magic kingdom
In 2023, The Walt Disney Company reported global revenue of $82bn. But the real magic of Disney lies not just in its financial success but in its ability to diversify and adapt. The company’s revenue streams come from multiple channels: Theme parks, film production, television networks, streaming platforms, consumer products, and licensing. This diversified approach has allowed Disney to weather economic downturns, industry changes, and shifting consumer behaviour.
In fact, Disney’s adaptability is one of its strongest traits. As Walt Disney once said: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” Disney has never been content to rest on its laurels. It continually innovates and reinvents itself, embracing new technologies, new markets, and new stories. This forward-thinking mentality has served the company well, particularly in emerging markets like the Middle East.
From Snow White to Avatar
Disney’s global box-office success is legendary. Since the release of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1937 – the world’s first feature-length animated film – Disney has set the gold standard for animated films. Over the decades, it has produced a string of hits, including “The Lion King”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Frozen”, “Toy Story” and “Moana.” These films have become cultural touchstones, with their characters and stories transcending borders and generations.
In the Middle East, Disney films have consistently been top performers at the box office. “Frozen II” and “The Lion King” (live-action) were particularly well-received, breaking records and drawing large audiences across the region. But Disney’s dominance isn’t limited to animated films. The company’s acquisition of Lucasfilm and Marvel Studios has cemented its status as a box-office juggernaut.
One of the biggest cinematic events in recent years was the release of “Avatar: The Way of Water” which grossed over $2bn globally. The film was a massive hit in the Middle East, with audiences flocking to cinemas to experience James Cameron’s visually stunning sequel. Disney’s ability to deliver epic blockbusters that appeal to diverse audiences is a key factor in its continued success.
And what does the future hold? Disney has an exciting pipeline of films, including the highly anticipated “Frozen III”, “The Lion King: Mufasa” and the continuation of the “Star Wars” saga. With each new release, Disney pushes the boundaries of storytelling, technology, and visual effects, ensuring that audiences remain captivated.
Theme parks, TV, and everything in between
Disney isn’t just a film studio; it’s an empire. Beyond its successful film business, Disney’s empire includes theme parks, television channels, consumer products, and more. Disney Channel, once the home to popular shows like “Lizzie McGuire” and “Hannah Montana”, remains a key player in Disney’s television business, though much of its audience has now migrated to streaming platforms like Disney+.
Disney’s theme parks are another pillar of the empire. With locations in California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, Disney’s parks attract millions of visitors each year. While the Middle East does not yet have its own Disney park, the region’s residents regularly make the trip to experience the magic at Disneyland Paris or one of the other global parks. And who knows? Given the region’s appetite for entertainment and immersive experiences, the idea of a Disney park in the Middle East doesn’t seem too far-fetched.
Meanwhile, Disney’s merchandise business continues to thrive. From Mickey Mouse T-shirts to Star Wars action figures, Disney’s products are available in stores across the Middle East. This merchandising machine adds billions to Disney’s bottom line each year and helps reinforce the emotional connection that fans have with their favourite characters and stories.
Innovation meets nostalgia
One of Disney’s greatest strengths is its ability to blend innovation with nostalgia. Walt Disney once said: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” This mindset has been the driving force behind Disney’s continued success. The company is always looking for new ways to innovate, whether it’s through cutting-edge animation techniques, virtual reality experiences at its parks, or pioneering new forms of content delivery like streaming.
At the same time, Disney understands the power of nostalgia. People have a deep emotional connection to the characters and stories they grew up with, and Disney is a master at tapping into those emotions. Whether it’s remaking animated classics like “The Lion King” in live-action or producing sequels like “Frozen II,” Disney knows how to bring beloved stories back to life in a way that resonates with both new and old audiences.
Disney+ and the streaming revolution
Disney’s influence is pervasive. Whether through Disney Channel, ESPN, ABC, Marvel Studios, or Lucasfilm, the company’s reach extends across industries and demographics. ESPN, which Disney owns, is the leading sports network in the United States. While ESPN’s presence in the Middle East is more limited, the potential for growth is immense, especially as the region’s love for sports like football and basketball continues to grow.
Of course, the biggest shift in recent years has been the rise of Disney+. Launched in 2019, Disney+ quickly became a major player in the streaming wars, racking up over 150 million subscribers by 2023. The platform has been a game-changer for Disney, allowing the company to reach audiences directly and offer an extensive catalogue of films, TV shows, and original content.
In the Middle East, Disney+ has been a runaway success since its 2022 launch. The platform’s user-friendly interface, combined with a treasure trove of beloved content, has made it an essential part of family entertainment across the region. From Disney’s classic animated films like “The Little Mermaid” to contemporary hits such as “Encanto” and “Frozen II,” the platform has something for everyone.
Disney+ Originals have also garnered significant attention, with series like “The Mandalorian” bringing the Star Wars universe back into the spotlight. The success of Disney+ in the Middle East highlights the region’s growing appetite for high-quality, on-demand streaming content. The platform’s ability to localise content, offering subtitles and dubs in Arabic, has helped Disney connect with new audiences in a culturally relevant way, ensuring the Disney magic is accessible to everyone.
Beyond its entertainment value, Disney+ has opened new doors for local employment opportunities. The need for region-specific content, along with dubbing and subtitling, has created a thriving ecosystem of regional collaborators, from voice actors to localisation experts, helping Disney tap into local talent while expanding its reach.
The numbers and the Middle East
As of 2023, The Walt Disney Company employs over 220,000 people globally, making it one of the largest employers in the entertainment industry. While the majority of its workforce is based in the United States – primarily within its theme parks, media networks, and studios – Disney’s international expansion has created thousands of jobs across Europe, Asia, and increasingly, the Middle East.
The Middle East may not be the first region that comes to mind when thinking of Disney, but in recent years, the company has made impressive strides in this market. With a young, tech-savvy population and rising disposable incomes, the region has become fertile ground for Disney’s brand of family entertainment.
A pivotal moment for Disney in the Middle East was the launch of Disney+ in 2022. This streaming service has been a global game-changer, and the Middle East is no exception. Offering a vast library, including classic Disney films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic, Disney+ quickly became a household staple. Localisation efforts, such as Arabic subtitles and dubbing, further helped the platform resonate with regional audiences.
Disney+ allowed families across the Middle East to access the company’s vast collection of films and series at the touch of a button. Instant hits like “The Mandalorian” and “WandaVision” underscored the platform’s regional success, reflecting Disney’s skill in understanding local preferences while delivering high-quality, global entertainment.
For Disney, the Middle East represents a rapidly growing and increasingly valuable market. As digital transformation continues to reshape the region, streaming services like Disney+ are set to become even more central to the entertainment ecosystem. With significant youth populations in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, Disney has the opportunity to solidify its brand as more than just an entertainment provider – becoming a cultural mainstay.
The company has already established key partnerships to ensure smooth market entry. For instance, Disney’s collaboration with OSN, one of the region’s leading satellite providers, facilitated a seamless Disney+ rollout. These partnerships have enabled Disney to reach audiences eager for family-oriented content, while OSN benefited from its association with the world’s most iconic entertainment brand.
Looking ahead, Disney’s focus on tailoring content to regional tastes – such as introducing Middle Eastern stories and characters – will be vital to maintaining its growth in the region. The success of “Aladdin” (2019) in the Middle East demonstrated Disney’s ability to connect with local audiences by tapping into familiar cultural touchstones. Moving forward, the company may explore more regionally inspired productions to deepen its ties with the local market.
One of Disney’s strongest qualities is its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. While Disney’s roots are distinctly American, its stories have universal appeal, resonating with audiences worldwide. In the Middle East, Disney’s family-oriented narratives, rich with themes of friendship, bravery, and love, have found a special place in many households.
At the same time, Disney remains sensitive to the cultural nuances of the region. By offering localised content and tailoring its offerings to reflect regional values, Disney strikes a balance between preserving its global brand identity and respecting local traditions. This adaptability is key to Disney’s long-term success in the Middle East.
Moreover, Disney’s presence in the Middle East has fostered cultural exchange. Through its films and shows, Disney has introduced Western culture to the region, while also leaving the door open to incorporating more Middle Eastern influences into its storytelling. This cross-cultural dialogue is a two-way street, and Disney’s openness to engaging with diverse cultures sets a positive example for other global companies looking to expand into new markets.
Disney’s future in the Middle East
So, what does the future hold for Disney in the Middle East? The answer is simple – growth. Disney’s ability to stay ahead of the curve, coupled with the region’s appetite for high-quality entertainment, means that the sky’s the limit for the House of Mouse.
In the short term, expect Disney+ to continue its rapid ascent. With more original content on the way, including anticipated films and series from Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, Disney+ is likely to solidify its position as one of the leading streaming platforms in the Middle East. Disney’s ability to provide regionally relevant content will also be key to sustaining subscriber growth.
On the cinematic front, Disney’s upcoming films, such as “Frozen III” and “The Lion King: Mufasa”, are sure to attract massive audiences across the region. The continued box-office success of Disney’s films in the Middle East, particularly those that resonate with family audiences, will remain a cornerstone of its strategy in the region.
In the longer term, the possibility of a Disneyland or other theme park in the Middle East remains an exciting prospect. Given the region’s booming tourism industry and its growing reputation as a global entertainment hub, a Disney theme park could be a logical next step in the company’s Middle Eastern expansion.
As Walt Disney once said: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” And for Disney, the possibilities in the Middle East seem endless. Walt Disney famously said: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” And for Disney, the dream is far from over.
The Walt Disney Company — An overview
PARKS, EXPERIENCES, AND PRODUCTS
Overview: This segment includes Disney’s theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and consumer product licensing. It creates immersive experiences for guests around the world.
Key components
- Walt Disney World Resort: The world’s largest and most popular theme park in Orlando, Florida, comprising multiple parks such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot,
Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. - Disneyland Resort: Located in Anaheim, California, this was Disney’s first theme park.
- International Theme Parks: Includes Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland.
- Disney Cruise Line: A fleet of ships offering family-friendly cruises with Disney-themed experiences.
- Adventures by Disney: Guided vacation tours that offer immersive travel experiences around the world.
- Disney Consumer Products: Licenses merchandise related to Disney characters, movies, and franchises. This includes toys, apparel, books, and interactive games.
MEDIA NETWORKS
Overview: This segment includes Disney’s television and radio networks, broadcast, cable, satellite, and digital operations. It encompasses a broad range of programming, from family-friendly content to sports.
Key brands
- ABC: A major American TV network, offering news, entertainment, and sports programming.
- ESPN: The leading sports broadcasting network in the US and around the world.
- Disney Channel: A popular children’s network that airs family-oriented content, animated shows, and original movies.
- FX Networks: Known for producing high-quality dramas, comedies, and movies.
- National Geographic: Offers documentaries and content related to nature, science, and culture.
INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND GAMING
Overview: This division manages Disney’s video game, interactive content, and virtual reality ventures.
Key brands and operations
- Disney Games and Interactive Experiences: Develops and publishes video games, mobile apps, and online content.
- Playdom: A social gaming company acquired by Disney, which produces social media games.
- Marvel Games: Oversees all gaming initiatives based on Marvel properties, including console, mobile, and PC games.
- Lucasfilm Games: Manages Star Wars gaming franchises, such as the popular Star Wars: Battlefront series.
STUDIO ENTERTAINMENT
Overview: The film production arm of Disney, responsible for creating movies, TV shows, and stage productions. This segment includes animation and live-action films as well as musical theatre.
Key brands
- Walt Disney Pictures: Produces Disney’s animated and live-action feature films.
- Pixar Animation Studios: Known for hit animated films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Coco.
- Marvel Studios: The home of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), responsible for films such as The Avengers, Black Panther, and Spider-Man.
- Lucasfilm: Produces the Star Wars franchise, one of the most successful film series in history.
- 20th Century Studios: Acquired as part of Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, known for films like Avatar and The Simpsons.
- Searchlight Pictures: Focuses on independent and critically acclaimed films.
- Disney Theatrical Productions: Produces stage versions of Disney films, such as The Lion King and Aladdin on Broadway and worldwide.
ACQUISITIONS AND MAJOR INVESTMENTS
Marvel Entertainment (2009): Disney acquired Marvel, which owns a vast library of over 8,000 characters, including iconic superheroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the X-Men.
Lucasfilm (2012): The acquisition of Lucasfilm brought the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises under Disney’s umbrella.
21st Century Fox (2019): This landmark deal added properties such as Avatar, The Simpsons, and X-Men to Disney’s portfolio, along with significant TV assets like FX and National Geographic.
Pixar (2006): The acquisition of Pixar revolutionised Disney’s animation arm, bringing beloved titles like Toy Story and Cars into its fold.
PUBLISHING
Overview: Disney’s publishing arm is responsible for creating books, magazines, comics, and educational materials. It caters to children and families through a variety of Disney-branded publications.
Key imprints
- Disney Press: Publishes books based on Disney films and characters.
- Marvel Comics: Publishes comic books related to the Marvel universe.
- Lucasfilm Publishing: Produces books and comics related to Star Wars.
- Disney Publishing Worldwide: The global segment that manages international publishing, including licensing content for educational purposes.
DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER & INTERNATIONAL
Overview: This segment includes Disney’s streaming services and international content distribution. Disney has become a major player in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) market, especially with its streaming platforms.
Key platforms
- Disney+: A subscription-based streaming service that offers Disney’s vast content library, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
- ESPN+: A streaming platform focused on live sports and exclusive sports content.
- Hulu: A US-based streaming service that offers original programming, TV shows, and movies.
- Star: An international general entertainment brand integrated into Disney+ in certain regions like Europe, Canada, and India.
- DisneyLife: A family-focused subscription service available in select international markets.
2023 REVENUE BREAKDOWN
Total revenue: $82 billion
Media networks: $28 billion
Parks, experiences, and products: $27 billion
Studio entertainment: $12 billion
Direct-to-consumer and international: $13 billion
Interactive media and other: $2 billion