Phase 1 to Feature Three Theme Parks, Themed Family Hotel, Retail and Dining District
Slated to Open in 2016
Dubai-based development company Meraas Holding today unveiled the blueprint for Dubai Parks and Resorts project that is set to take shape in Jebel Ali.
Launched under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts has been designed as a mega leisure and entertainment destination to serve the regions that are within an eight hour flying distance from Dubai.
Dubai Parks and Resorts articulates Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020, which under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum sets the guidelines for Dubai to double its annual visitor numbers from 10 million in 2012 to 20 million in 2020, and increase the economic contribution of the tourism sector.
Since the announcement of the planned investment of AE D10 billion in 2012, Meraas Holding has made substantial progress towards finalizing key components and partnerships with global movie studios, construction partners and world class theme park operators for the delivery of Dubai Parks and Resorts.
The first phase of Dubai Parks and Resorts will comprise three theme parks: motiongate™ Dubai, Bollywood Parks™ Dubai, and LEGOLAND® Dubai. The development will also feature Riverpark – a grand entrance plaza and Lapita, a family themed hotel. The first phase is scheduled for completion in 2016. Ground work commenced on site in February 2014.
Raed Al Nuami has been appointed CEO of Dubai Parks and Resorts Limited, the newly formed Meraas subsidiary. Earlier, he was Chief Leisure and Entertainment Officer at Meraas.
His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, Chairman of Meraas Holding, said: “Meraas is committed to developing new concepts to build Dubai’s position as one of the world’s great new cities. Dubai Parks and Resorts has been designed as the first of its kind entertainment destination that simultaneously opens the gates of three theme parks. The project will feature leading intellectual properties from elite industry players to create leisure and entertainment concepts that are expected to draw more than five million residents and tourists annually. We are confident our efforts will contribute to achieving the Dubai Tourism Vision 2020 and become the pride of our nation. At Meraas, we are excited to signal the start of an ambitious destination that is anticipated to generate thousands of new jobs as an international entertainment hub.”
motiongate™ Dubai will feature four unique zones and transport visitors on a journey of discovery, bringing to life some of the most recognizable Hollywood characters from the big screen. The park will use the latest-in-technology attractions and new-generation rides to offer a distinctly unique, high-value entertainment experience.
Billed as the first theme park in the world dedicated solely to the Indian film industry, Bollywood Parks™ Dubai will provide a physical location for fans from across the globe to visit and celebrate the biggest names of Indian cinema and its very colorful canvas.
As the first LEGOLAND® park in the Middle East and the seventh worldwide, LEGOLAND® Dubai will bring the well-known LEGO® brick to life in an interactive world specifically designed for children aged 2-12.
Centrally located between the three theme parks, River park will serve as an entrance plaza district featuring an array of retail, dining and entertainment options.
Complementing the overall experience at Dubai Parks and Resorts is Lapita, a themed family hotel will cater to travelers and residents looking for a weekend or a weeklong getaway in a fun filled environment.
The World Travel and Tourism Council Economic Impact 2014 report reveals the total contribution of travel and tourism to the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2013 was AED117.4 billion, equivalent to 8.4 percent of GDP. According to forecasts, the total contribution of travel and tourism to the UAE’s GDP is projected to grow annually by 3.1 per cent and reach AED167.4 billion by 2024. A recent report by JLL’s Hotels and Hospitality Group has also revealed that Dubai registered a steady increase of hotel guests at a CAGR of eight percent from 2009 until 2013.
Meraas Holding is a Dubai-based real estate company with operations and assets in the UAE and overseas. The company operates with a mission to create integrated master-planned communities that embody global standards of sustainability and quality.
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Meraas Holding is a Dubai-based development company with operations and assets in the UAE and overseas. The company has established itself as a key innovator in UAE and follows a clear mandate to strengthen Dubai’s global position. Through its portfolio of refreshingly innovative landmark concepts, Meraas aims to redefine industries across multiple sectors. Meraas has also forged collaborative relationships with key partners who will add value to its offering. The company has launched several projects in the tourism, retail, leisure and entertainment sectors.
For further information, please contact: Sameh Hamtini / Sarah Jackson ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Email: [email protected] / [email protected] T: +971 4 4507600
