UAE may have 30 theme parks in next four years

Original Article

DUBAI —The total investments in UAE theme parks is projected to exceed Dh228 billion ($62 billion) by 2012, according to a Press release issued here on Monday.

Around 30, multi-faceted entertainment resorts and theme parks are being built until 2012 according to CMPi UAE organisers of Middle East Attractions, Amusements, Parks, Leisure and Entertainment International Trade Exhibition (MEAAPLE).

CMPi UAE announced the launch MEAAPLE that is scheduled to take place on February 2 - 4 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) to target this growing market.

Prominent theme parks currently under development in Abu Dhabi & Dubai include Warner Bros and Ferrari theme parks in the capital and Dubailand, a multi-billion dollar enclave of 24 theme parks, four and a half times the size of Manhattan, which will be the Middle East's answer to Disneyworld. There will be Universal Studios' Universal City and a Marvel Entertainment theme park among others. "The UAE has shown a vision for global entertainment and multi-faceted theme parks along with their long-range potential for financial gain in an insatiable entertainment and travel market," said Paul Grinnall, Show Director.

"With so much activity under way, there is an abundance of business opportunities and MEAAPLE has been created to enable international and local companies to develop contacts and deliver business in this key growth market," Grinnall added.

MEAAPLE is an international trade event dedicated to the development, operation, management and maintenance of amusements, attractions, theme parks, tourism and resort developments, and leisure and entertainment facilities across the Middle East.

MEAAPLE offers the opportunity to influence, network, educate and build relationships with major developers, investors, retailers, senior decision makers, operators, manufacturers and suppliers in the Middle East.

MEAAPLE will provide a unique platform to further enhance and support the vision for attractions, amusements, theme parks, tourism and resort developments, and leisure and entertainment growth in the Middle East. There is demand from a wide spectrum of facilities including Culture & Arts, Heritage Villages, Theme Parks, Hotels & Resorts, Recreational & Leisure Parks, Retail & Shopping Malls and Cinemas & Multiplexes, Water Parks, Amusement Parks, Zoos & Wildlife Parks, Golf Courses, Family Entertainment Centres, Museums & Science Centres, Aquariums, Sports & Spa Clubs, Health & Fitness Clubs, Equestrian & Polo Clubs.