In the latest of a string of new developments, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the creation of five new theme parks at Jebel Ali in Dubai.
The Dh10 billion development will be built by Sheikh Mohammed's own property and investment company Meraas Holding, Sheikh Mohammed's website announced late last night in an attempt to bring a Florida style entertainment offering to the emirate.
The park will comprise five theme parks linked by shops and restaurants: Meraas' Dubai Adventure Studios fun park, plans for which were announced in December 2011, will anchor the new destination and is expected to be completed by 2014.
This will be followed by a theme park based around Bollywood movies. Sheikh Mohammed's website said that Meraas has partnered with several major film studios in Mumbai for leveraging content. It added that a large theater within the Bollywood themed park would showcase musicals.
A third park on the site will be themed around water and marine life, showcasing aquatic life, animal encounters and live shows.
The park will also feature a novel children’s theme park will cater to the need of toddlers, preschoolers and primary school children.
And finally a “night safari” park will be themed around the adventures of the wild desert.
“We expect the comprehensive offering to set a new benchmark within the leisure and entertainment industry and offer tourists one more reason to visit Dubai,” said Abdulla Ahmed Mohammed Al Habbai, Chairman of Meraas Holding.
“Meraas has been working with several industry experts to bring together a powerful mix of components that fulfil the need for a pure entertainment-based destination. The new initiative comes in response to Dubai’s status as a top global touristic destination which will contribute to the growth of the economy. With work on critical infrastructure including transport links gaining speed in the emirates, Dubai’s projections for the tourism sector are optimistic and well-founded.”
The new follows a series of ambitious announcements for new leisure and tourism destinations by Sheikh Mohammed this week. These include include proposals for Mohammed Bin Rashid City which were announced on Saturday and will include the biggest shopping centre in the world as well as 100 hotels.
On Sunday Sheikh Mohammed ordered the start of the second phase of the tallest hotel in the world, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road.