DreamWorks Animation is laying the foundation for an amusement park in Dubai, according to Daily Variety. Working with real estate company Tatweer, the studio plans to construct at five million-square-foot vacation destination with attractions based on Shrek and other animated properties. The partnership also aims to yield a network of DreamWorks-themed restaurants, hotels and retail outlets throughout the United Arab Emirates.
Often referred to as the Las Vegas of the Middle East, Dubai is home to giant shopping malls, an enormous indoor ski resort and other playgrounds for the affluent. Tatweer is also working with Universal Parks and Resorts to build Universal City Dubailand. Slated to open in 2010, the $2 billion, 505-acre facility that will house a theme park, hotels, restaurants and other amenities.
Marvel Ent. is bringing its brands to the U.A.E. with a $1 billion theme park to be constructed with real estate company Al Ahli for a 2011 opening. Nickelodeon properties including SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer will also be represented at the park via a deal between the children’s network and Al Ahli.
