Showing posts with label Dubailand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dubailand. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Business: Tatweer & Merlin form regional strategic alliance for LEGOLAND

Tatweer and Merlin Entertainments Group form regional strategic alliance to develop LEGOLAND(R) Theme Parks
DUBAILAND(R) to host first LEGOLAND(R) Theme Park outside of North America and Europe

Dubai (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - 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 http://www.LEGOLAND.com.

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
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/304099
Web site: http://www.LEGOLAND.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Entertainment: Tatweer to create world`s first Marvel Super Heroes theme park

Dubai, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, today announced a landmark deal with US-based Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL), the creators of such globally renowned Super Heroes as Spider-Man, The X-Men, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four and The Incredible Hulk, to develop the region's first Super Heroes theme park at the world's largest leisure, tourism and entertainment destination.

Allocated within DUBAILAND (R), the Marvel Super Heroes theme park will be one of its key anchor projects. The design and conceptual master plan of this 4.5 million sq ft development has recently been finalized. The park, expected to welcome visitors in 2012, will provide families an ultimate destination with new and exciting rides that will enable them to re-live their childhood and interact with their beloved Super Hero characters.

Initiated by Tatweer, the Marvel Super Heroes theme park will further enhance and diversify the region's entertainment offerings, and spotlight Dubai's status as one of the world's most attractive tourism destinations.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman, Tatweer, said: "We are delighted to welcome Marvel as our latest member in the distinctive DUBAILAND (R) portfolio. We are confident this landmark partnership will add further value to the exciting world-class offerings of DUBAILAND (R)."

David Maisel, Executive Vice President of Marvel Entertainment and Chairman, Marvel Studios, said: "We are privileged to be a part of the DUBAILAND (R) Destination, a unique entertainment experience that captures the world's best creative concepts. The launch of the Marvel Super Heroes theme park in Dubai will mark our entry into a region that promises tremendous growth potential for our brands."

Originally announced last year as a partnership between the Al Ahli group and Marvel Entertainment, Tatweer has now stepped in to oversee and take the development forward, and strategically manage its theme park portfolio.

Maisel added: "We are truly thankful to Al Ahli Group who was instrumental in starting the negotiations to bring the Marvel Super Heroes theme park concept to Dubai. The decision to move over to Tatweer's DUBAILAND is a strategic move aimed at positioning Marvel Super Heroes theme park in the world's most diverse leisure and entertainment destination."

The three billion sq feet Dubailand(R), a member of Tatweer, comprises projects that include DreamWorks Animation Park, Six Flags, HIT Entertainment, Universal Studios Dubailand(R), Global Village, and several projects including Dubai Sports City, Motor City, Dubai Outlet Mall, Al Sahra Desert Resort, Al Barari, The Polo and Equestrian Club, City of Arabia, Legends, Dubai Wheel and Falcon City of Wonders.

About MARVEL:

With a library of over 5,000 high-profile characters built over more than sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios), publishing (via Marvel Comics) and toys, with emphasis on feature films, home DVD, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit http://www.marvel.com.

Marvel and all related characters: TM & (c) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

About DUBAILAND (R):

DUBAILAND(R), a member of Tatweer, is the world's most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment project, 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 the region's most dynamic enterprises and a member of Dubai Holding. Comprising 10 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; Universal City Dubailand, the 22 million sq ft development, featuring Universal Studios Dubailand as its centerpiece; "The Tiger Woods - Dubai", an exclusive golf community that will include the first Tiger Woods designed golf course; DUBAILAND(R), one of the biggest leisure, entertainment and tourism destinations in the Middle East; 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: Tatweer / DUBAILAND(R) PR Agency: Aseel Nihad, Senior Account Executive, Jiwin the Public Relations Arm Of Dubai Press Club, Phone: +971-4-3613584, Email: aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae; MARVEL: Jeff Klein, Email: jeff_klein@dkcnews.com

SOURCE: Dubailand
CONTACT: Aseel Nihad,
Senior Account Executive,
Jiwin the Public Relations Arm Of Dubai Press Club,
+971-4-3613584, aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae,
for Tatweer - DUBAILAND(R); or
Jeff Klein,
jeff_klein@dkcnews.com, for Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
Web site: http://www.marvel.com
(MVL)

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Tatweer, DreamWorks join for 1st DreamWorks Animation Theme Park

Tatweer and DreamWorks Animation Strike Strategic Alliance to Create World's First DreamWorks Animation Theme Park in Dubai
- Venture Adds Further Value to Dubai's Tourism Offerings

Dubai (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, today announced it has formed a strategic alliance with US-based DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NYSE: DWA) to develop a diverse portfolio of tourism and leisure projects in Dubailand(TM), the world's most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.

A highlight of the alliance will be the creation of the world's first DreamWorks Animation branded theme park in Dubai. The outlay at the 5 million sq feet theme park project is a multi-billion AED investment.

The venture will bring to life the much-loved characters from DreamWorks Animation films, including Shrek, the upcoming Kung Fu Panda and several others, to create adventures and attractions in a first of its kind development for the studio.

Tatweer and DreamWorks Animation will also work together to develop new concepts, including DreamWorks Animation themed restaurants, hotels and retail outlets in the region, providing unique experiences through the use of innovative media and creative storytelling.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer, said: "We are extremely proud of our alliance with DreamWorks Animation. The partnership demonstrates our dedication to deliver on the tourism objectives of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"As the owner and developer of the three-billion sq ft Dubailand(TM), which hosts some of the world's most enchanting entertainment concepts, Tatweer has become a leader in bringing landmark projects to Dubai, including Bawadi, Tiger Woods Dubai and the world's best theme parks. DreamWorks Animation's global reputation in character creation and its strong character portfolio will add further value to our offering, providing an enhanced experience to visitors and tourists."

Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, said: "We are thrilled to bring the first DreamWorks Animation dedicated theme park to Dubai through our alliance with Tatweer for Dubailand(TM). This relationship will allow us to create an exciting destination where families and tourists will enjoy the unique opportunity to interact with DreamWorks branded content within Dubailand(TM)."

Roger Enrico, Chairman of DreamWorks Animation, adds: "We are excited over the opportunity to align DreamWorks Animation with a company like Tatweer, which has a proven reputation as a leader in the growing tourism, leisure and entertainment industry throughout this region. The complementary strengths of both organizations will further contribute to Dubai's emergence as a premier global tourist destination."

Tatweer's strategic partnerships for unique entertainment concepts with world leading entertainment brands such as DreamWorks Animation will help Dubai meet its tourism objectives of attracting an average of 15 million tourists annually to Dubai.

Dubailand spreads on an area of 3 billion sq ft, and includes Universal Studios Dubailand, Dubai Sports City, Motor City, Falcon City, Dubai Heritage Vision, and Al Barari are projects that are under advanced stages of development in Dubailand(TM). The Polo and Equestrian Club and City of Arabia are currently in the initial stages of infrastructure work.

About DreamWorks Animation SKG

DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company has theatrically released a total of fifteen animated feature films, including Antz, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Over the Hedge, Shrek the Third and Bee Movie.

About Dubailand

Dubailand, a member of Tatweer, is the world's most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment project, 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 is projected to attract millions of tourists annually from around the world.

The diverse projects under Dubailand 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 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 the region's most dynamic enterprises and a member of Dubai Holding. Comprising 10 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; Universal City Dubailand, the 22 million sq ft development, featuring Universal Studios Dubailand as its centerpiece; "The Tiger Woods - Dubai", an exclusive golf community that will include the first Tiger Woods designed golf course; Dubailand, one of the biggest leisure, entertainment and tourism destinations in the Middle East; Dubai Industrial City, an industrial township to develop Dubai as a leading manufacturing hub; Bawadi, 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.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's plans, prospects, strategies, proposals and our beliefs and expectations concerning performance of our current and future releases and anticipated talent, directors and storyline for our upcoming films and other projects, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of the business of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. These risks and uncertainties include: audience acceptance of our films, our dependence on the success of a limited number of releases each year, the increasing cost of producing and marketing feature films, piracy of motion pictures, the effect of rapid technological change or alternative forms of entertainment and our need to protect our proprietary technology and enhance or develop new technology. In addition, due to the uncertainties and risks involved in the development and production of animated feature projects, the release dates for the projects described in this document may be delayed.

For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
DreamWorks Animation is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

CONTACTS:
Rich Sullivan (DreamWorks Animation)
+1-818-695-3521
rich.sullivan@dreamworksanimation.com
For further information Agency:
Aseel Nihad
Senior Account Executive
Jiwin the Public Relations Arm of Dubai Press Club
Phone: +971-4-3613584
Email: aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae or
Alia Bin Hendi
Dubailand
Senior Executive - PR & Communication
Direct +971-4-368-00-32
Email: alia.binhendi@dubailand.ae
CONTACT: Rich Sullivan of DreamWorks Animation,
+1-818-695-3521,
rich.sullivan@dreamworksanimation.com;
Agency:
Aseel Nihad,
Senior Account Executive,
Jiwin the Public Relations Arm of Dubai Press Club,
+971-4-3613584,
aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae;
Alia Bin Hendi of Dubailand,
Senior Executive - PR & Communication,
+971-4-368-00-32,
alia.binhendi@dubailand.ae
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080207/292451AP
Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk:
photodesk@prnewswire.com
(DWA)
SOURCE: Dubailand

COPYRIGHT © 2008 - ANTARANEWS