Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG) and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products have announced a licensing partnership to develop the first Twentieth Century Fox theme park and resort in Dubai.
With
current plans stalling on a similar development in Malaysia due to budgetary constraints, the new deal allows for a roll-out of up to three additional Fox-branded resorts in UAE territories outside of Dubai.
Planned to open in 2018, global design and theming company Rethink Leisure & Entertainment are working on the project, with the team promising a “a fully immersive world where some of our favorite movies can exist and thrive.”
The theme park will incorporate some of Fox’s most well known IPs, including
Ice Age,
Rio,
Planet of the Apes,
The Simpsons and more, with a broad attraction mix including dark rides and thrill rides telling stories based on Fox brands. In addition to rides, AAHG says that the park will include the world’s first Fox hotel and a theme retail street with shopping and dining experiences based on Fox IPs.
“20th Century Fox World, Dubai is the second Fox theme park destination and marks an important step forward in our global theme park strategy,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products.
“Fox World will be a world-class destination that will help fuel Dubai’s emergence as a global tourism destination and this park builds on the foundation being laid by 20th Century Fox World, Malaysia.”
As it aims to reach its target of 20 million visitors annually by the 2020 Expo,
Dubai is currently a hotbed for theme park and resort development. In addition to Fox World,
Three theme parks are under development as part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, while
IMG Worlds of Adventure is set to open in the new year and
Ferrari World is working on big expansion plans.
