Tatweer takes over Marvel theme park

STRATEGIC MOVE: The theme park's relocation to Dubailand a 'strategic' decision, Maisel said. (Marvel)

Dubai's first super hero theme park has been moved to Dubailand and the project has been taken over by the master developer Tatweer, the company said on Saturday.

Tatweer said it had signed a deal with US firm Marvel Entertainment to create the Marvel Super Heroes theme park within the emirate's $64 billion tourism, leisure and entertainment mega-project.

Tatweer, a subsidiary of state-owned conglomerate Dubai Holding, said the design and conceptual master plan of the 42-hectare project had been finalised and the park should open to the public sometime in 2012.

Marvel originally signed a deal with UAE-based Al Ahli Group (AAG) in March last year to set up a super hero theme park within the group's Al Ahli Park development.

Al Ahli Park is meant to open in 2011 at cost of more than $1 billion.

AAG did not say at the time where the Al Ahli Park would be located, but hinted it may create an entertainment hub separate from Dubailand.

AAG has also signed a similar agreement with US childrens entertainment giant Nickelodeon to incorporate its characters into the Al Ahli Park.

"Originally announced last year as a partnership between the Al Ahli Group and Marvel Entertainment, Tatweer has now stepped in to oversee and take the development forward, and strategically manage its theme park portfolio," Tatweer said in a statement, without giving any further details.

David Maisel, executive vice president of Marvel Entertainment, described the decision to move over to Tatweer as "strategic" and "aimed at positioning Marvel Super Heroes theme park in the world’s most diverse leisure and entertainment destination”.

Marvel is responsible for legendary super hero characters such as Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America and the Mighty Thor, as well as teams such as the Fantastic Four and the X-Men.

Other theme park projects to be located in Dubailand include DreamWorks Animation Park, Six Flags and Universal Studios Dubailand.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Dubailand
Posted by John, Atlanta, USA on Monday 21 April 2008 at 18:28 UAE time

Another park destined to fail. 2012 and Dubai hosts 15 million visitors. Someone please tell me how these projects make financial sense. Marvel is tying their brand name to failure relying on the Middle East to manage and run a park.

It was wise to sideline Al Ahli. The group doesn't have the horse power to build a children's playground yet alone a billion dollar theme park. Just take a look at their Dubai Outlet City. The lack of guest and experience tells you all about what they can deliver, or should I say can't deliver.

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