Tatweer and Merlin Entertainments Group Form Regional Strategic Alliance to
Develop LEGOLAND(R) Theme Parks
DUBAI, May 7 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
- DUBAILAND(R) to Host First LEGOLAND(R) Theme Park Outside of North
America and Europe
Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, today formed a strategic alliance with Merlin
Entertainments Group, the world's second largest visitor attraction group, to build
LEGOLAND(R) Parks across the Arab world.
Tatweer and Merlin Entertainment Group announced the launch of
LEGOLAND(R) DUBAILAND(R) - the first LEGOLAND(R) Park ever built outside of North
America and Europe. The AED 912 million project, occupying a total of 3
million sq ft inside DUBAILAND(R), the world's largest leisure and
entertainment destination, LEGOLAND(R) DUBAILAND(R) will feature more than 40
interactive rides, shows and attractions geared towards families with children
ages 2 to 12 and will boost unique attractions geared towards families and children.
Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman, Tatweer said: "We are extremely proud of our
alliance with LEGOLAND(R) and Merlin Entertainments
Group. The partnership once again demonstrates our dedication to deliver on the tourism
objectives of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 as we multiply our
portfolio of entertainment offerings, contributing to transforming Dubai into
a pioneering world class tourism destination."
"This alliance further consolidates Tatweer's status as the leader in developing the
world's most enchanting entertainment concepts and bringing the
best leisure and entertainment brands, such as Universal
Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Six Flags, Marvel and HIT Entertainment to Dubai.
LEGOLAND Park's global reputation in family-friendly rides, shows, attractions and its
strong appeal for family and kids will add a new dimension
to our offering, providing an enhanced experience to visitors and tourists."
Nick Varney, Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments Group said: "Merlin
Entertainments Group branded visitor attractions, including
LEGOLAND(R) Parks are well-known throughout the world as the ultimate
destinations for families with young children. Choosing Dubai for the newest
LEGOLAND(R) Park reflects the fact that Dubai is becoming a major holiday destination,
not only for the region, but also for visitors worldwide.
Teaming with Tatweer is the perfect way to offer families the LEGOLAND(R) experience
and potentially other attractions within Merlin Entertainments."
Broadening the experience for families and visitors, Tatweer and Merlin Entertainments
Group will additionally work together to develop new concepts,
including LEGOLAND(R) themed hotels and possibly other attractions from Merlin
Entertainments' extensive portfolio.
Currently, there are four LEGOLAND Parks: LEGOLAND(R) Billund,
LEGOLAND(R) Windsor, LEGOLAND(R) Deutschland and LEGOLAND(R) California
which
was recently named Best Children's Park for the fourth year in a row by
Amusement Today.
LEGOLAND(R) Parks offer families the opportunity to let their imaginations
run free, and be immersed in LEGO(R) experiences with a unique mix of kid-
powered rides, building challenges, spectacular LEGO(R) models, interactive attractions,
family-friendly coasters and shows that pull the audience into
the action.
Other projects owned by Tatweer at the Dubailand destination include, The
Tiger Woods Dubai, Universal Studios DUBAILAND(R), Global Village
DUBAILAND(R), DreamWorks DUBAILAND(R) Animation Park, Hit Entertainment
"Little Big Club DUBAILAND(R)," Six Flags DUBAILAND(R), Marvel DUBAILAND(R) and
FREEJ DUBAILAND(R).
Exciting attractions such as Dubai Sports City, MotorCity,
Falcon City of Wonders, Al Sahra Desert Resort, the Polo and Equestrian Club,
Al Barari and City of Arabia are also part of DUBAILAND(R)'s overall offering.
About LEGOLAND(R)
LEGOLAND(R) is a brand of interactive theme parks dedicated to families with children
between the ages of 2 and 12. Each Park features more than 50
rides, shows and attractions geared towards interactive family fun. There are
four LEGOLAND Parks in the world - LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND
Windsor outside of London, LEGOLAND California in the U.S. and LEGOLAND
Deutschland near Gunzburg, Germany. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin
Entertainments Group. For the most current information, visit
About MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP:
THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based,
family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of
any company in the sector over the last five years. The world's second biggest
visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates 58 attractions and 6 hotels in 12
countries, and on 3 continents around the world. Merlin aims to deliver
memorable and rewarding experiences to its 33 million visitors worldwide, through its
iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of
its managers and 13000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following
attractions - Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE, LEGOLAND, The London Eye, Dungeons,
Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park,
Chessington World of Adventures, Earth Explorer and The Pepsi Globe.
About DUBAILAND(R)
DUBAILAND(R), a member of Tatweer, is the world's largest tourism, leisure
and entertainment destination, catering to the needs of the entire family. The
unique 3 billion sq. ft. development has been designed to catalyze the
position of Dubai as an international hub of family tourism, appealing to tourist segments
across genders, age group, world regions and activity
preferences. DUBAILAND(R) is projected to attract millions of tourists
annually from around the world.
The diverse projects under DUBAILAND(R) include theme parks, eco-tourism
projects, shopping malls, restaurants and residential units that are being developed by
UAE, GCC and international investors.
A product of extraordinary vision, Dubailand(R) will be an attractive place to 'live, work
and play' for the emirate's growing population, both as a
leisure destination and an appropriate setting for business and entertainment
development.
About Tatweer:
Launched in December 2005, Tatweer is one of the region's most dynamic enterprises
and a member of Dubai Holding. Comprising market-leading brands,
it oversees an ambitious business development plan.
Its current portfolio is divided into Energy & Healthcare, Tourism &
Entertainment, and Industry & Real Estate offerings. Its entities include Dubai Healthcare
City, the region's hub for world-class quality healthcare services; Mizin, one of the most
advanced real estate companies in the region;
DUBAILAND(R), one of the biggest leisure, entertainment and tourism
destinations in the world including Universal City DUBAILAND(R), featuring Universal
Studios DUBAILAND(R) as its centerpiece; DreamWorks DUBAILAND(R),
the first DreamWorks theme park in the world; Six Flags DUBAILAND(R), the first Six
Flags theme park outside North America; "Little Big Club", HIT Entertainment one of a kind
project; Marvel Dubailand(R), the world's first
4.5 million sq ft Super Heroes theme park, "The Tiger Woods Dubai," an
exclusive golf community that will include the first Tiger Woods designed golf
course; Dubai Industrial City, an industrial township to develop Dubai as a leading
manufacturing hub; BAWADI(R), the world's leading hospitality and entertainment project
hosting 51 luxury hotels and more than 60,000 hotel rooms; Dubai Energy, investing in
regional and global energy opportunities and
building a diversified investment portfolio; Dubai Mercantile Exchange, the first energy
futures exchange in the Middle East set up in partnership with
the New York Mercantile Exchange and Global Village, a premier family
destination for culture, entertainment, cuisine and commerce.
Tatweer's entities continue to consolidate a group of life-improving
industries in addition to pioneering joint venture initiatives with leading global
conglomerates. They continuously strive for world-class performance,
while implementing leadership development to drive and sustain business
excellence, quality and high performance.
For further information
Agency:
Aseel Nihad
Associate Account Manager
Jiwin Public Relations
Phone: +971-4-3613584
Email: aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae
Or
Ahmed Tajedeen
Director Marketing - DUBAILAND(R) Destination
Direct +971-4-368-00-12
Email: ahmed.tajedeen@dubailand.ae
Or
John Ussher
General Manager
Merlin Entertainments Group Limited and LEGOLAND(R) development
Phone: +1-604-882-5463
Email: john.ussher@legoland.com
SOURCE Tatweer and Merlin Entertainments Group
CONTACT: Agency: Aseel Nihad,
Associate Account Manager,
Jiwin Public Relations,
+971-4-3613584,
aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae;
or Ahmed Tajedeen,
Director Marketing - DUBAILAND(R) Destination,
+971-4-368-00-12,
ahmed.tajedeen@dubailand.ae;
or John Ussher,
General Manager,
Merlin Entertainments Group Limited and LEGOLAND(R)development,
+1-604-882-5463,
john.ussher@legoland.com
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