Dubai for Visitors

One of the greatest entertainment facilities, Universal Studios, is due to open in Dubailand in 2010.

This development illustrates the commitment the entertainment industry has to the region.

Previously, building a theme park in an area that is 50 degrees plus for a long period of time, would not have been considered.

Universal Studios is a world renowned brand in both film and television production and also in the theme park industry. The first of its kind and largest in the Middle East, Dubailand will be a boon for visitors, especially for those from the GCC, as they won’t have to travel all the way to the US to experience the thrills and spills of such a park.

The Dh8 billion investment by Universal and local real estate consortium Tatweer for the 22 million sq. feet plot underlines the efforts at establishing Dubai as one of the world’s greatest tourist destination.

Tatweer hopes the theme park alone will attract over five million visitors a year, bringing a huge annual turnover (based on the average cost of entry in the US) of Dh1,890,000,000 on the gate alone. Combine that with the prices of food and extra charges and the initial investment will be recouped in a very short space of time.

Universal Studios Dubailand will provide thrill seekers and movie fans an opportunity to ‘ride the movies’ and give residents and tourists a wonderful attraction to visit.

Combining the creativity of Hollywood with the greatest stories of all time, every member of the family will be able to enjoy an unforgettable holiday with a spectacular theme park, a variety of exciting entertainment and world-class hospitality, all in one convenient location.

There will be a chance to enjoy dining, shopping, movies and more at The Boulevard just outside the gates of the park and just steps away from luxuriously appointed rooms in one of the magni?cently themed on-site hotels.

Each evening, The Boulevard will burst into life with dazzling entertainment.

For those worried about the heat, here is the news of use: Universal Stu dios Dubai Land is set to become the world’s first air conditioned theme park. From the plazas in each of the five exciting Lands to the fabulous theatres, indoor attractions, restaurants and shops, there will be year-round cool comfort.

Nearly 60 per cent of the guest areas will have full A/C and 50 per cent of the linking pathways will be air cooled, ensuring everyone has fun all year round.

The park itself will be divided into ?ve themed areas: Hollywood, New York, Surf City, Epic Adventures and Legendary Heroes.

In all areas, you don’t just watch movies, you ride them. In Hollywood, there is the opportunity to cruise down memory lane to a time when rock ‘n’ roll was king and drive-in burger joints were all the rage. Guests can roll into Mel’s Drive-In straight out of the ?lm American Gra?ti.

The theme of yesteryear is carried on through to the New York area where the park presents the bold, fanciful, romantic version of NYC that is present in classic films. So you can hang out with the Blues Brothers or stroll down a New York backstreet and explore the world’s capital city.

The Surf City section is all about the laid back atmosphere of Southern California. Beaches and cheerful gardens will simultaneously enthral and relax.