Legoland Of Arabia

by The Editors on May 6, 2008

LEGOLAND_Dubai_C.jpgEver since the Ski Dubai snow dome opened we’ve been looking for a reason to visit what many describe as the most luxurious desert city in the world. Now we’ve got one more reason: a new Legoland theme park.

Merlin Entertainment, the British company that owns our Legoland California has agreed to build an monstrous theme park in the United Arab Emirates country of Dubai.

LEGOLAND Dubailand offers families a unique opportunity to let their imaginations run free and be immersed in LEGO® 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. . . . 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™, the world’s most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.

In celebration of this announcement Carlsbad’s own Master Model Designer Eric Hunter has created a 17-foot-tall Lego replica of Burj Dubai that was unveiled yesterday. When completed The Burj Dubai will be the tallest in the world when it is completed. Everyone loves building in Dubai because there seem to be no budget restrictions for anything.

Dubai (May 6, 2008) – A 17-foot-9-inch-tall LEGO replica of The Burj Dubai designed by LEGOLAND California Master Model Designer Eric Hunter was unveiled today when Merlin Entertainments Group, the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, announced plans to create LEGOLAND Dubailand® – the first LEGOLAND Park to be built outside of North America and Europe. LEGOLAND Dubailand is the result of a strategic alliance between Merlin Entertainments and Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holdings.

Upon completion, the real Burj Dubai will be the world’s tallest building. The model is made of nearly 140,000 LEGO bricks and took a team of model builders 1,342 hours to research, design and build. This model is the first of many of Dubai’s amazing landmarks LEGOLAND California’s Model Team is building for Miniland Dubai. Each LEGOLAND Park has its own unique Miniland area featuring popular regional and international landmarks made entirely out of LEGO bricks. 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™, 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® 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.”

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Eric Hunter May 17, 2008 at 1:13 pm

LEGOLAND Dubailand will be incredible upon completion. You will see the most ambitious miniland models yet, trust me!

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