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LONDON, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Merlin Entertainments Group, the world’s
second largest visitor attraction operator, announced today the formation
of a strategic alliance with Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holdings, to create
LEGOLAND Dubailand(R) -- the first LEGOLAND Park to be built outside of
North America and Europe.
LEGOLAND Dubailand is scheduled to open at the end of 2011, and will be a 3
million square-foot theme park project forming part of DUBAILAND(TM), the
world’s most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment destination. Similar
to the existing four LEGOLAND Parks at Billund, Denmark; Germany; Windsor and
California (most recently named Best Children’s Park for the fourth consecutive
year by Amusement Today) LEGOLAND Dubailand features more than 40 interactive
rides, shows and attractions geared towards families with children ages 2 to 12.
LEGOLAND Dubailand offers families a unique opportunity to let their
imaginations run free and be immersed in LEGO(R) experiences with its mix
of kid-powered rides, cool building challenges, spectacular LEGO models,
interactive attractions, family-friendly coasters, and shows that pull the
audience into the action. All these elements, which bring millions of
visitors to LEGOLAND Parks in North America and Europe, will be part of the
LEGOLAND Dubailand experience.
Merlin Entertainments Group and Tatweer are also looking at a number of
other potential developments, including the establishment of themed
LEGOLAND hotels and possibly other attractions from Merlin Entertainments
extensive portfolio.
Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments Group, said: “Merlin
Entertainments Group is the second largest attraction operator in the
world, and LEGOLAND Parks are well-known throughout the world as the
ultimate destination for families with young children. Choosing this
location for the new 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 access
to the LEGOLAND experience and potentially to other attractions within the
Merlin Group.”
Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer, commented: “We are
extremely proud of our alliance with Merlin Entertainments Group and the
LEGOLAND brand. 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 3
billion square-foot DUBAILAND, 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 many
others. The global reputation of LEGOLAND Parks for interactive rides,
shows, attractions and its appeal to families with young children adds
further value to DUBAILAND with an enhanced experience to visitors and
tourists.”
Commenting, LEGO owner Kjeld Kristiansen said, “LEGOLAND is the
ultimate experience of LEGO values and potential. We are delighted that a
fifth Park will be opening soon and have no doubt that LEGOLAND Dubailand
will be extremely successful.”
Nick Varney concluded: “This new LEGOLAND Park highlights Merlin’s
growing leadership in the attractions sector. This is an exciting time for
the Group and we have a very aggressive growth strategy, including opening
four to five of our midway indoor attractions each year, as well as
continuing to develop our resort theme parks.”
SOURCE Merlin Entertainments Group
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