Dubai to get new entertainment hub

Dh10 billion complex with five distinct theme parks to be located in Jebel Ali

Dubai: A new Dh10 billion entertainment complex in Dubai, featuring five distinct theme parks, was announced on Monday.

The new complex, approved by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and announced on Monday night in a statement issued by Dubai Media Office, will be located at Jebel Ali and feature theme parks based on movies, animals and fun characters aimed at appealing to all demographics.

It will offer multi-faceted leisure and entertainment facilities and will cater to both residents and tourists. Meraas Holding will oversee the new development.

The first phase of the development will be Dubai Adventure Studios, which was originally announced by Meraas in December 2011. It is set to host Hollywood brands and will have a range of “adrenalin-challenging rides and attractions that will be accessible to people of all ages.”

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A second park will be named Bollywood Parks, and will focus the immense global appeal of Indian cinema. Meraas has partnered with several major film studios in Mumbai to provide content, while a large theatre within the park is expected to showcase Broadway-style musicals. The theatre will also become part of Dubai’s annual entertainment calendar.

A water and marine life park will showcase aquatic life, animal encounters and live shows, besides rides and attractions. A theme park catering to the need of toddlers, preschoolers and primary school children will also be built, as will a night safari that will highlight the Arabian desert.

The theme parks will be connected by a district featuring retail and dining offerings. The first component of the development is expected to be completed by 2014.

“Meraas has been working with several industry experts to bring together a powerful mix of components that fulfill the need for a pure entertainment-based destination,” said Abdulla Ahmad Mohammad Al Habbai, Chairman of Meraas Holding, who said the new complex will contribute to the growth of the economy.

This is Dubai’s second major product announcement in this week, following the announcement of Mohammad Bin Rashid City on Saturday.