The Middle East is looking to cement itself as the new global theme-park hot spot. Disney is the latest and biggest entertainment company to plant a flag in the region, as it said its seventh global theme park will be located in Abu Dhabi.

Disney announced a surprise new theme park in an unexpected location, with Disneyland Abu Dhabi set to open in the Middle East as one of the company's most technologically advanced resorts.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi could become a growth engine for the company in the region. It could also expose Disney and its vaunted brand to criticism.