Dubai clinches Busch theme parks
Four new theme parks – SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove – 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 “necessary capital†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 “the Crown,†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 BEC’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.
Nakheel’s plans for The Palm Jebel Ali, the world’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 O’Donnell said: “Dubai has become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, and a key part of the strategy has been attracting world-class entertainment brands to the emirate.
“We 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 Dubai’s growth as a city of global prominence.
“We 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.â€
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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