F1rst Motors is betting big on Dubai, and the rest of the world is taking notes

For more than two decades, Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando held the title of the world's most-visited theme park according to the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). However, recent data has revealed that Dubai's Global Village has surpassed the Magic Kingdom. Despite being open for a shorter period each year and having shorter hours, Global Village drew 10 million visitors in just 202 days.

Its per-hour attendance is around 33% higher than the Magic Kingdom's. In terms of annual attendance, Magic Kingdom averaged 48,732 visitors per day in 2024, while Global Village saw 49,505 visitors per day. The Magic Kingdom has been ranked at the top since TEA started tracking attendance in 2006, but its visitor numbers have only increased by 7.2% since then.

Disney's strategy focuses on maximizing spending per guest rather than increasing attendance. Disney park ticket prices have also significantly increased, with a one-day ticket costing over $200 in 2024. Meanwhile, Dubai's theme park market has grown steadily over the past two decades. The UAE government created Global Village in 1996 as a pop-up attraction in a parking lot, which later expanded to a permanent site.

The park features pavilions representing various countries, as well as thrilling rides and simulators. Despite being open only for about half the year, Global Village consistently outnumbers the Magic Kingdom in terms of visitors. Due to its popularity and status as Dubai's only theme park open year-round, it remains open even during conflicts.