Al Ahli Group signs Marvel deal to build $1b comic theme park in Dubai

http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/03/20/21_bz_khammas_maisel_4.jpg
Mohammad Khammas, CEO of Al Ahli Group, and David Maisel, chairman of Marvel Studio, during a press conference at DIFC.

Dubai: UAE-based Al Ahli Group said it will build a $1-billion theme park in Dubai in a deal with Marvel Entertainment, the American company that licenses comic characters like Spiderman.

Al Ahli said the theme park, scheduled to open in 2011, will bring a new form of children-focused entertainment to the city that is spending billions of dollars on building a viable tourism industry.

"Family entertainment has not evolved with Dubai's growth. This project will address that need," chief executive officer Mohammad Khammas said. The UAE firm is the sole developer of the theme park.

Most ambitious

The government's most ambitious tourism and entertainment project is Dubailand.

It will have 12 entertainment parks, including one of the largest water parks in the world. The theme parks will include The Restless Planet, a dinosaur theme park being developed in cooperation with the UK's Natural History Museum.

Khammas did not say where his theme park would be located.

Al Ahli may create a separate entity that will develop the project and raise money through a listing on the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX).

"We are considering it," Khammas told reporters yesterday after signing the licensing agreement with Marvel Studios' chairman David Maisel.

Marvel will make available its full range of characters, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, The X-Men, Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer.

The creative team developing the Dubai theme park will be based in Hollywood, Orlando and Dubai throughout the four-year development process.

i think this is in dubailand...

R

United Arab Emirate-based Al Ahli Group and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. announced a partnership that will bring Marvel's full library of Super Heroes -- including Spider-Man, Iron Man, The X-Men, Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer -- to Dubai for a major new theme park destination being developed by AAG. The development is in line with the vision set by HH Shk. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, through his innovative entertainment and hospitality driven expansion projects for Dubai and the UAE.

The Al Ahli Group, under the leadership of Chairman Nasser Ali Khammas and driven by the idea and dedication of CEO Mohamed Khammas, is poised to bring the region's first and only global theme park destination directly to the heart of the Emirates. AAG and Marvel are also in initial stages of discussions about additional projects throughout the greater Pan Arabia region.

AAG has been in discussions for more than two years with the owners of the world's top intellectual properties in the entertainment arena and is extremely proud of its new long-term partnership with the world renowned Marvel brand. The Project will open in 2011 with a direct investment of over $1 billion USD. The creative team, which consists of some of the most spectacular creative minds from around the globe, will be based in Hollywood, Orlando and Dubai throughout the four year development process. New technology and unparalleled visitor experiences will be the hallmark of the theme park, creating a new standard for theme parks around the world.
David Maisel, Chairman of Marvel Studios and a member of the Office of the Chief Executive, Marvel Entertainment, said, "We are launching a long term relationship with the Al Ahli Group to bring the Marvel Universe to Dubai with this exciting new theme park development. Al Ahli Group has both an impressive team of theme park, entertainment and hospitality executives and the financial strength to leverage that expertise into a world-class destination resort experience unparalleled in the region. We are very pleased to be a part of this exciting initiative and look forward to a successful partnership with Mohamed Khammas and the Al Ahli Group."

Mohamed Khammas, CEO of Al Ahli Group commented "Al Ali Group's partnership with Marvel Entertainment serves a long pursued quest of creating the ultimate entertainment destination for families and children of the region and the world, a destination where they can live their childhood fantasies and create new memories for the entire family to cherish and remember. Family destinations have not evolved in Pan Arabia and thus it's time that we cater to that demand and make the investment required for global tourism.

"Marvel is a brand that is recognized globally via its ever expanding list of 'Super Hero' characters. Now, it won't be much longer until the children in Pan Arabia and the world can experience new and exciting rides with Marvel's Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four and many other Super Heroes right here in the UAE.

"This partnership is a result of the appreciation and loyalty that Marvel has internationally, and was realized through the dedication and management of the Marvel team led by my friend David Maisel. Without his personal efforts and dedication, it would have been a long time before the world would be able to experience the Marvel Super Heroes in what we aim to be the best entertainment destination in the world. In 2011, Spider-Man and the rest of the Marvel Super Heroes will set their first steps in Dubai."

Yes Dubailand!!!

they expect 30% of all tourists to visit and it is predicted that 7500 people will pass through the gates every day.

Yes Dubailand!!!

You're 7 years old? :lol:

Just kidding, very original project. Too bad I'm 21! :ohno:

Must be very close to CoA? it includes the restless planet?
huh?

anyway this is perfect and what we need!

the article clearly says they will think about the location, maybe in dubailand maybe not.. t

I am not sure if these rides are meant for kids :nuts:

Superman ride

http://www.joyrides.com/sfmm/photos/superman1.jpg

Incredible Hulk

http://www.blogography.com/photos4/ORLhulk.jpg

^^ can u up load the pics again please..theyre not comign up

and 7500 visitors on a daily basis...bit ambitious dont u think?!

^^ not at all 7,500 per day is very dissapointing. Some of the big parks get 30,000 per day or more.

You're 7 years old? :lol:

Just kidding, very original project. Too bad I'm 21! :ohno:

Put 21 and 7 together ... and you'ld still be 7 more years off :tongue2:

^^ not at all 7,500 per day is very dissapointing. Some of the big parks get 30,000 per day or more.

30 000?
They should invite Madonna and Angelina Jolie with their children to Dubai... :lol:

^^ :lol:

i also thought 7.000 is not that much but that will depend on the actual size anc concept of the park..

why is nobody wondering about the restless planet thing??

^^ :lol:

i also thought 7.000 is not that much but that will depend on the actual size anc concept of the park..

why is nobody wondering about the restless planet thing??

they were talking about dubailand in general when they mentioned restless planet. nothing to do with the marvel park or its location.

as krazy said its not known where it will be, but i think very likely in dubailand. the dubailand people should kiss khammas' feet to get it in dubailand if he decides he wants somewhere else. they need this high profile brand park in their collection.

Spongebob to battle Spiderman in Dubai
by Rob Corder on Thursday, 03 May 2007
zoomPOW! Spiderman will have to battle with Spongebob Squarepants for the hearts children visiting the Al Ahli park.Hot on the heals of a deal to open a theme park based on Marvel Comic superheroes, Al Ahli Group (AAG) has now announced that it will build another area of the park around Nickelodeon cartoon characters.

Several Nickelodeon entities will become part of the $1 billion park, which will open in 2011, including: SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Starfish, Dora the Explorer, Diego, and Blue's Clues, among others.

"AAG is so very proud to include Nickelodeon as a crown jewel in our park property. We have been in discussions for more than two and half years with the world's top intellectual properties in the entertainment world and look forward to this long-term partnership with Nickelodeon, the world's most widely distributed kids' network with proven global appeal," said Mohammed Khammas, CEO of Al Ahli Group.

Howard Smith, senior vice president of Nickelodeon Recreation, added, "The Al Ahli Group Park promises to become an entertainment experience with tremendous family appeal, and we look forward to working together to entertain kids from around the globe. This is an exciting initiative, and we anticipate great success."

A Hollywood Studio experience will also be on offer within the Al Ahli park, which is being designed and delivered out of Orlando, Florida.

I think its the Al Ahli Grp Park now...so the thread needs to be re named.

R

Marvel theme park to open in Dubai by 2011

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bam. Zap. Splat. Kpow!

Fans of comic book superheroes Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men will be able to see their favorite characters when a new theme park opens in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates by 2011.

The $1 billion park, the first of its kind in the region, is being developed by U.S.-based Marvel Entertainment Inc, which licenses the comic book heroes, and UAE-based construction and real estate company Al Ahli Group.

Marvel currently owns a superhero island and rides at Universal Studios' parks in Florida, California and Japan, but the Dubai park will be the company's first full theme park and the largest outside the United States.

"Marvel is a brand that is recognized globally via its ever expanding list of superhero characters," said Mohamed Khammas, head of the Al Ahli Group, in a statement.

"Now, it won't be much longer until the children in Pan Arabia and the world can experience new and exciting rides with Marvel's Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four and many other superheroes right here in the UAE."

The companies said the park will set a new standard for theme parks worldwide and will include new technology and unparalleled visitor experiences.

A Marvel spokesperson said in a statement that the company is interested in the region because Dubai represents one of the world's fastest growing economies.

AAG and Marvel have been collaborating for two years on the project. The creative team behind the park will be based in Hollywood, Orlando and Dubai throughout the four-year development process.

Marvel is a character-based entertainment company that uses its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. The Al Ahli Group is a cement, construction, engineering and mixed-use real estate company.

source
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL2171124120070322

Tatweer to Create world's First Marvel Super Heroes Theme Park
Sunday April 20, 12:00 am ET
- 4.5 Million Sq Ft Development to be Built in Dubailand


DUBAI, UAE, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, today announced a landmark deal with US-based Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), the creators of such globally renowned Super Heroes as Spider-Man, The X-Men, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four and The Incredible Hulk, to develop the region's first Super Heroes theme park at the world's largest leisure, tourism and entertainment destination.

Allocated within DUBAILAND®, the Marvel Super Heroes theme park will be one of its key anchor projects. The design and conceptual master plan of this 4.5 million sq ft development has recently been finalized. The park, expected to welcome visitors in 2012, will provide families an ultimate destination with new and exciting rides that will enable them to re-live their childhood and interact with their beloved Super Hero characters.


the rest of the article here (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080420/3640759en_public.html?.v=1)


PARAMOUNT® should be next :banana:

:banana::banana::banana:

Back in the U.S., the Islands of Adventure Themepark (which has a Marvel-themed "island") is located within the Universal Studios - Florida complex.

That said, maybe this Marvel-themed park will be located within Universal Studios - DubaiLand.

^^ No it will be a separate 4.5m square feet theme park, not related to Universal Studios.

The creative team, which consists of some of the most spectacular creative minds from around the globe, will be based in Hollywood, Orlando and Dubai throughout the four year development process. New technology and unparalleled visitor experiences will be the hallmark of the theme park, creating a new standard for theme parks around the world.

^^ A lil' happier by the news, eh? ;)

Marvel Theme Park!! Great news!! :banana::cucumber::carrot:

Yep, Dubailand slowly starting to take shape nicely now :)

2011 is a great time. I'll be done with school and I'll have easy access going to Dubai by then.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/2447546660_601d6a2bb3_b.jpg

DUBAILAND® finalizes design and conceptual master plan of AED 3.3 billion Marvel Superheroes theme park


Posted on Tuesday, 13 May 2008

Industry Sector Construction
Country United Arab Emirates
Client(s) Marvel Entertainment | Dubailand | Tatweer



Press Release Content

Three theme park rides undergoing offsite test runs.



DUBAILAND®, a member of Tatweer, today announced the finalization of the design and conceptual master plan for the world's first ever Marvel Superheroes theme park that will be developed with investments of AED3.3 billion (US$900 million) as a key anchor project at the world's largest leisure, tourism and entertainment destination.

The 4.5 million square feet project will be demarcated into three districts, including City Centrum, the HUB, and The Marvel Academy. Three of the theme park's rides - Flying with Spidey, Fantasticar, and X-men: Danger Room - are already undergoing offsite trial runs, prior to its installation within DUBAILAND®.

Mohammed Alhabbai, CEO DUBAILAND®, said: "Work on the Marvel Superheroes theme park is on fast track. The finalization of the design and master plan marks a significant milestone in the progress of the development that is already generating great excitement with the offsite trial runs of its three popular rides.

"The theme park will draw over 3.5 million visitors annually as a high-voltage entertainment park for the entire family to re-live their childhood memories and interact with their much-loved Superhero characters."

The Marvel Superheroes theme park will boast 17 rides and attractions. It will also comprise nine retail outlets on an area of 30,000 square feet. Over 40 food and beverage outlets, including carts merchandising light refreshments, will be developed over 40,000 sq. ft. area.

Groundbreaking for the project is expected to be conducted in the first quarter of 2009, with the theme park scheduled to open doors on 31 December, 2012. Initiated by Tatweer, the Marvel Superheroes theme park will further enhance and diversify the region's entertainment offerings, and spotlight Dubai's status as one of the world's most attractive tourism destinations.

DUBAILAND®, a three billion sq ft development, Other projects owned by Tatweer at DUBAILAND® destination include, The Tiger Woods Dubai, Universal Studios DUBAILAND®, Global Village DUBAILAND®, DreamWorks DUBAILAND® Animation Park, Hit Entertainment "Little Big Club DUBAILAND®", Six Flags DUBAILAND®, Marvel DUBAILAND®, FREEJ DUBAILAND®, and LEGOLAND® DUBAILAND®.

Exciting attractions such as Dubai Sports City, MotorCity, Falcon City of Wonders, Al Sahra Desert Resort, the Polo and Equestrian Club, Al Barari and City of Arabia are also part of DUBAILAND®'s overall offering.

So this is deffinatly happening now?

:yes:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2575584557_a5d4e00cd6_b.jpg
Source: http://flickr.com/photos/89127714@N00/2575584557/in/set-72157605599021373/
High-Res: http://flickr.com/photos/89127714@N00/2575584557/sizes/o/in/set-72157605599021373/

^^ Amazing

01/09/08
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2885248588_9e08f45951_b.jpg
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29216073@N03/2885248588/
High-Res: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29216073@N03/2885248588/sizes/o/

Looks good on paper lets hope there is more than a sign by 2011

Dang! How big is that sign!

Here is a working link to the same story from the first page:

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/516920-al-ahli-loses-out-to-tatweer-on-marvel-theme-park

Dang! How big is that sign!

The same huge size as every other sign in Dubai. haha.

I found some concept art for the Marvel theme park. too bad this project will most likely remain on hold for a couple years...

http://www.worstpreviews.com/images/headlines/temp/temp1937.jpg

I found this place right next to Global Village (Aqua Dunya designated site), the security guard said that it was the old Marvel office, and they have now moved location but he did not know where???

http://i48.tinypic.com/262seur.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2s8plrn.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2le0wll.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/vxhod1.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2yv5i6u.jpg

So.... in the last photo, that ferris wheel and rides that can be seen in the background are part of this Marvel site??! Or are they just a travelling fair that cruelly happens to be close by?

^^ Ignore my last message. Had no idea that Global Village had all that stuff... :cheers:

Amazing renders, it's a pitty this project is on hold :(

Amazing Renders

i think most of these dubai land projects will be completed, but now for a long time

This project is on hold because they are building the other zones for the park.

I hear much talk about Dubai in deep trouble with money. But they show no sign of stopping!! Well I think someone should have an Interview with Mohammed Al Habbai asking questions if they have enough money to do something this big. I think they do have the money to build something like this of this size even though there is a lot of talk of them in deep debt. I hear there are going to be roller coasters. They need Intamin AG to make the coasters for Dubailand.

Bigger render of one the images posted before.

Looks out of this world, but we will have to wait a long time to be able to enjoy this.....

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/marvel-dubai-concept-art.jpg

marvel is owned by disney now so , the project may not happen right ??

IMG indoor theme park will include Marvel, cartoon network and dinosaur park (not called restless planet). Planned to open autumn 2013. Thats what is planned, not what is real. Staff have been recruited, construction underway... so it is a go... For now.

IMG indoor theme park will include Marvel, cartoon network and dinosaur park (not called restless planet). Planned to open autumn 2013. Thats what is planned, not what is real. Staff have been recruited, construction underway... so it is a go... For now.

provide a reliable sources for what you say

provide a reliable sources for what you say

Spiderman

Spiderman

??

HA! :)

here you go -

http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/industry-insights/tourism/spider-sense-tingling-marvel-theme-park-coming-to-dubai


The Avengers, Spiderman and X-Men are all set to take up permanent residence in the UAE next year when a Marvel Comics theme park opens in Dubai.

Marvel Adventure, a new indoor family entertainment centre, is scheduled to open its doors to superheroes and comic book fanatics by the end of 2013 in the City of Arabia development on Emirates Road. It will include retail outlets, restaurants and a range of interactive experiences featuring Marvel characters.

here you go -

http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/industry-insights/tourism/spider-sense-tingling-marvel-theme-park-coming-to-dubai

i think the theme park will not be as huge as what they planned right ??

as seen the the pictures ??

No, it is much smaller, so is the dinosaur park.

No, it is much smaller, so is the dinosaur park.

it is sad :ohno:

so wait and see...

Marvel issued a statement that read in part: "The Marvel entertainment destination is not a theme park, it is a family entertainment center."

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jun/27/news/la-trb-disney-marvel-adventure-dubai-06201227

Don't expect a world class Marvel theme park as seen in Island of Adventure, Orlando.

Expect something half way between SEGA Republic and Magic Planet

^^ What a disaster for Dubai, it should have been a real Orlando quality theme park.

Another fantasy gone wrong! Nothing new!