Dubai: 6 May, 2008 - 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® Parks across the Arab world.
Tatweer and Merlin Entertainment Group announced the launch of LEGOLAND® DUBAILAND® - the first LEGOLAND® Park ever built outside of North America and Europe. The AED 912 million project, occupying a total of 3 million sq ft inside DUBAILAND, the world's largest leisure and entertainment destination, LEGOLAND® DUBAILAND® 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® 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® Parks are well-known throughout the world as the ultimate destinations for families with young children. "Choosing Dubai for the newest LEGOLAND® 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® 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® themed hotels and possibly other attractions from Merlin Entertainments' extensive portfolio.
Currently, there are four LEGOLAND Parks: LEGOLAND® Billund, LEGOLAND® Windsor, LEGOLAND® Deutschland and LEGOLAND® California which was recently named Best Children's Park for the fourth year in a row by Amusement Today.
LEGOLAND® Parks offer families the opportunity to let their imaginations run free, and be immersed in LEGO® experiences with a unique mix of kid-powered rides, building challenges, spectacular LEGO® 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®, Global Village DUBAILAND®, DreamWorks DUBAILAND® Animation Park, Hit Entertainment "Little Big Club DUBAILAND®", Six Flags DUBAILAND®, Marvel DUBAILAND® and FREEJ DUBAILAND.
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's overall offering.