Busch's Worlds of Discovery coming to Dubai

February 28, 2008, 10:03 AM · [Update, Feb. 4, 2009: The project is dead now.]

Busch is making it's first international expansion with Worlds of Discovery on The Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The project will include all four of Busch's park brands: Busch Gardens, Sea World, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove. The project, a joint venture with real estate developer Nakheel PJSC, will open its first phase in 2012.

Concept art courtesy Busch

Nakheel will provide build and manage the project, under license from Busch. The project will be built on a killer-whale-shaped island, with SeaWorld occupying 107.5 acres on one end, Busch Gardens taking up 112.4 acres on the other, and Discovery Cove and Aquatica in the middle. In addition, there will be 10-acre "shopping, dining and entertainment" zone between SeaWorld and Aquatica.

Below, you can see how Worlds of Discovery will fit in with the rest of The Palm Jebel Ali, a series of man-made islands off the Dubai coast.

Concept art courtesy Busch

Replies (13)

Brian Emery

February 28, 2008 at 10:51 AM · We love Discovery cove and the island will resemble a dolphin. I like the design. Of course we will never see this place, but it looks great.

I am not sure of building on a man made island. With Global warming and possible rising sea levels I would not feel safe. One tsunami and that whole place could be wiped out.

But it is exciting and I wish them all the best.

Bradley Robertson

February 28, 2008 at 11:32 AM · I will probably never get to see this but I really like the design. I kind of wish that Disney had made WDW a little closer as in this design.

David Kirby

February 28, 2008 at 11:24 AM · I wonder what kind of theme they will go with for this Busch Gardens. Since Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica all come from Florida, will they copy Tampa's park and go with an Africa theme?

Iris Hernandez

February 28, 2008 at 11:48 AM · I am totally excited about this whole thing. I was ecstatic while watching the Live webcast. I know I will be visiting these new parks. I also thought building on an Island thats in the shape of a killer whale was genious.
My only concern is about security. We all know how tight it is over here. What do they got cooking for that there? Maybe x-ray machines and metal detectors for people and bags alike. It may be a longer line to get into the parks, but i think my peace of mind and safety will be worth it.

Carrie Hood

February 28, 2008 at 11:55 AM · Busch has just offically won the theme park war with this one!

Mike Duchock

February 28, 2008 at 1:45 PM · I'm eagerly awaiting details on the attractions at each park. I'm guessing that Sea World will not have any roller coasters or thill rides, it will mainly be an animal experience park. Busch Gardens should have some nice big ticket rides but I imagine it with an American theme. If you look at the site plan it seems that there aren't roads that stretch all the way out to the "whale island" where the parks will be built. How will you access it? Also, the different "branches" of the "palm tree" have high priced condos & homes- will those residents complain about noise from the parks in the same manner that neighbors complain about Universal Orlando & Disneyland?

James Adams

February 28, 2008 at 1:55 PM · Pretty neat but certainly on the ironic side. Dubai has been creating these islands all along the coast there and they have been devastating the environment with the construction, esxpecially aquatic life. Busch and Seaworld (emphasis on "Sea"), who are big into the environmental conservation movement, connecting with an environmental nightmare - kinda funny.

Claudine Deshaies

February 28, 2008 at 4:30 PM · Regarding concerns that there are no roads...This is kind of like "if you have to ask the how much it costs, you can't afford it". The playgrounds that are being being planned and built on these man-made islands are meant for those who don't mind taking their million dollar yachts from island to island.
This will be a HUGE money-maker for BEC.
As far as not having thrill rides, with all the other things being built in Dubai, it wouldn't surprise me if they wanted to try for the world's tallest roller coaster. I mean, this is the same area of the world where they are building a 1400 foot tall skyscraper with 200 foot fountains at the base.
The only money of mine that will being going to Dubai is what I pay for gas in the pockets of its investors and residents.

Justin Spisto

February 28, 2008 at 5:33 PM · I feel glad and sad at the same time. Glad that there is a new Busch Park. Sad that the odds are against me for visiting it. I didnt think they picked the greatest location for it either. They could have put it else were on another island because of security reasons. I am axnious to see wat themeing the park will recieve.

Bruce Lane

February 28, 2008 at 10:45 PM · I think I can sum up my own feelings about this in four words.

The plague is spreading...

Mitchell Botwin

February 29, 2008 at 5:31 AM · According to the news report, the location was chosen to draw those individuals from the mid east and asia that can not travel to the US. The same reason Disney is working in that area. Go where the money is!!

Jason K

March 1, 2008 at 12:00 PM · I think all these developments will lure a lot of Europeans, especially us Brits, from Florida. I think the American TPI readers should try a longhaul flight and check it out. Dubai is a wonderful place with plenty of sunshine, an almost zero crime rate, and it has everything you'd find in the States e.g. McDonald's, Burger King, top brand hotels etc.

azcloudy

March 2, 2008 at 11:32 PM · yes, The plague is spreading. Doesn't anyone else wonder how one man can build islands and have many countries in fact the entire world loving him and his ideas!

Is there anyone else out there that has read the left behind series!!!???

If you think this is all creepy email me please.

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Busch's Worlds of Discovery coming to Dubai

Replies (13)

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