29 February 2008

Dubai clinches Busch theme parks

Four new theme parks - SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove ââ¬' are to be developed in Dubai.

Preliminary design work and site planning is underway, with the first phase expected to open in 2012 following an agreement between Orlando-based Busch Entertainment Corporation and Dubai property developer Nakheel.

They are to work together to create the Worlds of Discovery on The Palm Jebel Ali, the second of three man-made island developments in the Emirate.

Nakheel will invest an undisclosed level of ââ¬Åâœnecessary capitalââ¬~ to build and operate the parks. BEC will license its brands to Nakheel and operate the parks under a management contract. 

Worlds of Discovery will occupy a section of The Palm Jebel Ali known as ââ¬Åâœthe Crown,ââ¬~ which will resemble a giant killer whale when reclamation work is complete. 

Worlds of Discovery will also include a variety of other family activities, including resort hotels, spas, shops and restaurants.

SeaWorld Dubai will include many of the attractions in BECââ¬â¢s US parks, including killer whale, dolphin and sea lion attractions and marine themed rides.  BEC will provide all animals for the parks developed in Dubai.

Nakheelââ¬â¢s plans for The Palm Jebel Ali, the worldââ¬â¢s largest man-made island, also call for the development of commercial, residential and shopping districts, as well as resort hotels and restaurants.

Nakheel chief executive Chris Oââ¬â¢Donnell said: ââ¬ÅâœDubai has become one of the worldââ¬â¢s leading tourist destinations, and a key part of the strategy has been attracting world-class entertainment brands to the emirate.

ââ¬ÅâœWe have already concluded partnerships with major brands such as Trump, Cirque du Soleil, and Atlantis, and the partnership with BEC is a further example of Dubaiââ¬â¢s growth as a city of global prominence.

ââ¬ÅâœWe are extremely honoured that The Palm Jebel Ali will become home to the first Worlds of Discovery theme parks outside of the US, which is not only a major coup for Nakheel, but for the whole of Dubai.ââ¬~

by Phil Davies 

• PRINT
• SEND TO A FRIEND
• SHARE

Post your comment

Your Comments

, be the first to post a comment.
Your email:

Your comment title:


Your comment:

Email other comments made to this story

5 characters