Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

Universal confirms Dubailand theme park project

May 1, 2007, 8:28 AM · It looks like it's a go for a new Universal Studios theme park within the Dubailand project in the United Arab Emirates.

It's a licensing deal, meaning that Universal will not own nor operate Universal City Dubailand. But Universal will provide attraction design, operating procedures and training to the UAE. The theme park will be part of the $2.2 billion Dubailand project, which is expected to open in 2010.

Dubai is positioning itself as the Orlando of the Middle East, with a slew of over-the-top heavily themed, multi-million dollar attractions, including theme parks, malls, golf courses, hotels and even an indoor ski slope. It's all paid for by three-buck-plus per gallon gasoline, of course.

Replies (8)

elerico
Eric Malone
May 1, 2007 at 10:19 AM · Lovely.
coasterdude
Writer
Anthony Murphy
May 1, 2007 at 11:38 AM · Why not?
yaytez
Erik Yates
May 1, 2007 at 2:46 PM · If the theme park works out, does this mean we'll get cheaper gas?? Had to try.
Is this in addition to the Marvel City theme park, or is Universal going to be part of that or vice versa?
nenacoqui
Iris Hernandez
May 1, 2007 at 3:49 PM · I've been to Dubai and its a beautiful city. I congratulate them for this wonderful achievement. But, I'm not lying to you when i say that i didnt feel very safe there. Sometimes I even fear that terrorists might target a U.S. Theme park, whats to stop them from exploiting the opportunity to wreak some havoc over there. You all know they have no respect for ANYONE!! I'm not a paranoid person, its just a thought.

BUT....It is my greatest wish that this new theme park sheds some light and shows the people from the middle east how to have some real fun and to focus on things other than violence.

william4192
Jayson Myers
May 2, 2007 at 12:36 PM · Hmmm IOA has no new rides in years...Universal in three years...new theme park in some city nobody would feel safe going to. If you go to the middle east and your American (and not a solider), you are just asking for trouble.
markbyrn
Mark Freedman
May 3, 2007 at 10:57 AM · Let's not equate their lack of fun & frivolity with violence. Having lived in that part of the world, it was far safer than any happy-go-lucky city in the good 'ol US of A.
coasterdude
Writer
Anthony Murphy
May 3, 2007 at 12:12 PM · I too am a little concerned its a target, but in that case couldn't Disneyland Paris be a target as well?

Anyway, I think it wouldn't hurt to have a park there. It probably will do actually well. Also, in regards to the area, I would guess that its probably the safest area in the Middle East right now. Also, it will make lots of money because UAE tends to have high spenders as well!


It might help in the peace process! You never know!

elerico
Eric Malone
May 3, 2007 at 8:07 PM · Eh. Disneyland Paris is a little less of a target than a theme park smack dab in the middle of the middle east. That's pretty close to literally going up and asking for it. I don't intend to.. err.. attend this park when it's open.

I'll wait for the on-ride videos.

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