Competition Drives Innovation in UAE’s Entertainment Scene, Says Dubai Holding CEO
As Disney prepares to open its new theme park in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s entertainment sector is poised for a significant transformation. Dubai Holding Entertainment’s CEO, who oversees some of the city’s top leisure destinations, including Global Village, Real Madrid World, and Roxy Cinemas, views Disney’s entry as a positive development. He believes that the competition will only enhance the region’s appeal, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.
A Healthy Competition
Eiroa, who is deeply involved in the management of Dubai’s largest entertainment assets, drew comparisons between the UAE’s theme park expansion and Florida’s renowned tourist hub, Orlando. In an interview with Gulf News, he explained that the key to success lies in creating a comprehensive destination where multiple attractions work together to draw visitors. He believes that the more diverse the offerings, the greater the number of people who will be attracted to the region.
“Just like Orlando, where Disney, Universal, and other parks coexist, the more attractions you have, the more you expand the destination’s appeal,” Eiroa stated. “Ultimately, this drives more people to the region.”
The expansion of entertainment options across the UAE, with Disney’s Abu Dhabi debut at the forefront, fits into a broader vision of positioning the country as a global leisure destination. Eiroa sees this as an opportunity for businesses in the region to continually raise their standards and offer increasingly compelling experiences to guests. “The more competitors you have in the region, the more you have to improve yourself. Otherwise, you lose customers,” he noted.
Dubai Holding’s Expanding Portfolio
Eiroa’s remarks came after the unveiling of a life-sized statue of football superstar Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid World in Dubai. Dubai Holding Entertainment, under his leadership, is continuing to innovate with new developments across the city. In addition to managing iconic attractions like Global Village, which recently saw a record 10.5 million visitors last season, the group is also working on new projects, including a themed glamping experience at Dubai Parks and Resorts and ten new attractions at Riverland, such as immersive restaurants and virtual racing simulators.
“Global Village represents the spirit of Dubai in a perfect way,” said Eiroa. “It’s a melting pot of different cultures, different people… and we take a lot of care to make it affordable for everyone.” The success of Global Village, which draws millions of visitors from across the region and beyond, reflects Dubai’s status as a leading entertainment destination.
Shaping a World-Class Entertainment Corridor
Disney’s venture into Abu Dhabi will not only complement but also amplify the existing offerings in the UAE. Eiroa believes that the country’s collective efforts to develop major attractions across various emirates are transforming the UAE into a world-class entertainment corridor. With more competitors entering the market, Dubai Holding Entertainment remains focused on pushing the boundaries of creativity and inclusivity, ensuring that the UAE continues to be the region’s capital of fun.
As the competition intensifies, Eiroa’s view is clear: it’s the drive for improvement and innovation that will propel the UAE’s entertainment scene forward. The nation’s leisure industry, underpinned by dynamic competition, is only set to grow stronger, drawing more global visitors and elevating the region’s status on the world stage.
With attractions like Global Village and Roxy Cinemas already drawing millions of visitors, the UAE’s entertainment landscape looks set for a bright and exciting future.
