Dubai Land
Encyclopedia
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
, United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
, which is owned by Tatweer
Tatweer
Tatweer is a member company and subsidiary of Dubai Holding, a Dubai-based holding company set up by the government of Dubai to manage its assets and investments...
(which belongs to Dubai Holding
Dubai Holding
Dubai Holding is a holding company that belongs to the Government of Dubai . It manages and controls 20 companies, which operate in real estate, hospitality, finance, healthcare, energy, research, education, entertainment, media, internet, tourism and biotechnology...
). When announced in 2003 it was one of the most ambitious leisure developments ever proposed anywhere in the world costing 64.3 billion, but development has been severely impacted by global recession and Dubai's financial crisis. The development was put on hold in 2008 and as of late 2011 has not resumed.
Development
The Dubailand project was officially announced on October 23, 2003. Dubailand will have an area of 278 km² (107.3 sq mi) and include 45 "mega projects" and 200 sub projects. To date, there are currently 22 projects under development. Dubailand is divided into six zones (worlds): Attractions and Experience World, Sports and Outdoor World, Eco-Tourism World, Themed Leisure and Vacation World, Retail and Entertainment World, and Downtown. It will be twice the size of Walt Disney World ResortWalt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort , is the world's most-visited entertaimental resort. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida ; approximately southwest of Orlando, Florida, United States, the resort covers an area of and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels Walt...
, and will be the largest collection of theme parks in the world; however, no theme park in Dubailand will surpass Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is an animal theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The fourth park built at the resort, it opened on April 22, 1998, and it is the largest single Disney theme park in the world, covering more than . It is also the first Disney theme park to be themed entirely...
(located at Walt Disney World Resort) as the world's largest theme park. Private reaction towards the project has been positive and Dubai has exceeded the $20.9 billion private investment figure it expected on the entire project by collecting approximately $55 billion from the private sector
Private sector
In economics, the private sector is that part of the economy, sometimes referred to as the citizen sector, which is run by private individuals or groups, usually as a means of enterprise for profit, and is not controlled by the state...
for the first phase.
Dubailand is seen by its designers as a city and therefore like a city they expect it to continue to grow and develop beyond the four phase plan.
The Sahara Kingdom
Sahara Kingdom
Sahara Kingdom theme park, situated in the Attractions & Experience World in Dubailand, will cover and will combine high end virtual and physical theme park rides, attractions such as a state of the art gaming zone, IMAX theater, and integrated live and virtual entertainment shows, together with a...
theme park, situated in the Attractions & Experience World, will cover 460000 m² (4,951,399 sq ft) and will combine high end virtual and physical theme park rides, attractions such as a state of the art gaming zone, IMAX
IMAX
IMAX is a motion picture film format and a set of proprietary cinema projection standards created by the Canadian company IMAX Corporation. IMAX has the capacity to record and display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film systems...
theater, and integrated live and virtual entertainment shows, together with a retail zone, four hotels and residential accommodations. The theme of the development is traditional Arabian folklore
Arabian mythology
Arabian mythology comprises the ancient, pre-Islamic beliefs of the Arabs. Prior to Islam the Kaaba of Mecca was covered in symbols representing the myriad demons, djinn, demigods, or simply tribal gods and other assorted deities which represented the polytheistic culture of pre-Islamic Arabia...
and the tales of One Thousand and One Nights.
In 2006, planning permission was granted for the Great Dubai Wheel, a 185 metres (607 ft) giant Ferris wheel
Ferris wheel
A Ferris wheel is a nonbuilding structure consisting of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, usually by gravity.Some of the largest and most modern Ferris wheels have cars mounted on...
with 30 passenger capsules, to be built and managed by the Great Wheel Corporation
Great Wheel Corporation
Great Wheel Corporation is a company engaged in the development, building, financing, and operation of observation platforms and observation wheels ....
. It was expected to open in 2009, at a cost of over AED 250 million.
In 2008, most of the developments in Dubailand were put on hold and virtually all of the staff and workforce were fired due to 2007-2010 Financial crisis and as of late 2011 work has yet to resume
Late-2000s financial crisis
The late-2000s financial crisis is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s...
.
On January 19, 2008, DreamWorks
DreamWorks
DreamWorks Pictures, also known as DreamWorks, LLC, DreamWorks SKG, DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC, DreamWorks Studios or DW Studios, LLC, is an American film studio which develops, produces, and distributes films, video games and television programming...
announced plans to build a Dreamworks park in Dubailand.
On March 4, 2008, Tatweer announced a strategic alliance with Six Flags
Six Flags
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. is the world's largest amusement park corporation based on quantity of properties and the fifth most popular in terms of attendance. The company maintains 14 properties located throughout North America, including theme parks, thrill parks, water parks and family...
to build the 5000000 sq ft (464,515.2 m²) Six Flags Dubailand
Six Flags Dubailand
In March 2008, Dubai Holdings, Inc. and Six Flags announced a corporate marketing alliance that would allow Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holdings, Inc., to lease the exclusive right to the Six Flags brand name in the Dubailand Development of the United Arab Emirates...
theme park.
On May 1, 2008, Tatweer announced the launch of Freej
Freej
Freej is an Emirati three-dimensional, computer animated television series for children and adults alike.The show was produced by Mohammed Saeed Harib, who also directed the fifteen standalone episodes of fifteen minutes each. It is the tale of four old Emirati women living in a secluded...
Dubailand. Freej Dubailand will boast hotels totalling 2,600 keys, and feature retail, food and beverage outlets, as well as a spectrum of entertainment attractions.
On May 2, 2008, it was announced that the design and conceptual master plan for a Marvel
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
Superheroes theme park had been finalized, the first of its kind. It will include 17 rides and attractions on a 4500000 sq ft (418,063.7 m²) development. It will also comprise nine retail outlets on an area of 30000 sq ft (2,787.1 m²). Over 40 food and beverage outlets, including carts merchandising light refreshments, will be developed over 40000 sq ft (3,716.1 m²).
On May 6, 2008, Tatweer announced a strategic alliance with Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd is a British operator of amusement parks and other attractions. It is the largest such company in Europe, and globally the second largest after Walt Disney Parks and Resorts....
Group to build a Legoland
Legoland
Legoland is a chain of Lego-themed theme parks. They are not fully owned by Lego Group itself; rather they are owned and operated by the British theme park company Merlin Entertainment.The chain currently consists of:* Legoland Billund...
park in Dubailand. The project will cost Dh912 million, occupy a total of 3000000 sq ft (278,709 m²), and will feature more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions geared towards families with children ages 2 to 12.
Open attractions
Although the complex is far from completion, three attractions are currently open, but not complete.- Dubai Motor CityDubai Motor CityDubai Motor City is a property development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by . The development is based on a motor-sport theme and includes residential units, business towers, motor-sports facilities, retail and a theme park.The key components of Dubai Motor City areDubai Motor City is a property...
- Global VillageGlobal Village (Dubai)Global Village Dubailand is the world's largest tourism, leisure and entertainment project. It is the region’s first premier cultural, entertainment, family and shopping destination; celebrating diverse cultures, art, theater and cuisine from around the world. Every year, it welcomes 6 million...
- Al Sahra Desert Resort
Zones
- Attractions & Experience World (13.9 square kilometre)
- Warner Bros.Warner Bros.Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., also known as Warner Bros. Pictures or simply Warner Bros. , is an American producer of film and television entertainment.One of the major film studios, it is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank,...
Movie World - LegolandLegolandLegoland is a chain of Lego-themed theme parks. They are not fully owned by Lego Group itself; rather they are owned and operated by the British theme park company Merlin Entertainment.The chain currently consists of:* Legoland Billund...
Dubai - Six Flags DubailandSix Flags DubailandIn March 2008, Dubai Holdings, Inc. and Six Flags announced a corporate marketing alliance that would allow Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holdings, Inc., to lease the exclusive right to the Six Flags brand name in the Dubailand Development of the United Arab Emirates...
- Pharaohs Theme Park
- Dreamworks Studios Theme Park
- Universal Studios Dubailand
- F1-X Theme Park Dubai
- Tiger Woods DubaiThe Tiger Woods DubaiThe Tiger Woods Dubai is a proposed Tiger Woods-designed golf course and residential development in Dubai. It is a joint venture between Tiger Woods Design and Tatweer, a member company of Dubai Holding...
- BawadiBawadiBawadi is a project announced by the government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 1 May 2006. The developer is Tatweer, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding....
- Brownstown Dubailand and Rowleyville Dubailand
- Falconcity of Wonders
- Fantasia
- FreejFreejFreej is an Emirati three-dimensional, computer animated television series for children and adults alike.The show was produced by Mohammed Saeed Harib, who also directed the fifteen standalone episodes of fifteen minutes each. It is the tale of four old Emirati women living in a secluded...
Dubailand - Marvel Superheroes Theme ParkMarvel Superheroes Theme ParkMarvel Superheroes Theme Park is a future Marvel theme park in Dubailand that is expected to open in 2012. This park was originally announced in late 2007 by United-Emirate Based Al Ahli group theme park company and Marvel Entertainment. Since then, Disney bought the rights to Marvel for $4.24...
- Tourism world
- Legends of DubailandLegends of DubailandLegends of Dubailand also known as Arabian Legends and Legends-Dubailand, is a mixed-use entertainment development project being built in Dubailand. The AED 14 billion project when completed, will occupy and will be located along Dubai's Emirates Road opposite to Global Village...
- Aviation World
- Islamic culture and Science World
- Global VillageGlobal Village (Dubai)Global Village Dubailand is the world's largest tourism, leisure and entertainment project. It is the region’s first premier cultural, entertainment, family and shopping destination; celebrating diverse cultures, art, theater and cuisine from around the world. Every year, it welcomes 6 million...
- Kids City
- Giants World
- Six Water Parks
- Sahara KingdomSahara KingdomSahara Kingdom theme park, situated in the Attractions & Experience World in Dubailand, will cover and will combine high end virtual and physical theme park rides, attractions such as a state of the art gaming zone, IMAX theater, and integrated live and virtual entertainment shows, together with a...
- Astrolab Resort
- Warner Bros.
- Retail and Entertainment World (4 square kilometre)
- Dubai Outlet CityDubai Outlet CityDubai Outlet City is a mixed used development covering an area of , located in Dubailand. When completed Dubai Outlet City will encompass the Dubai Outlet Mall, floating hotels, Somoa Hotel, Budget Hotel, and a cultural and entertainment centre....
- Black Market
- Flea Market
- World Trade Park
- Auction World
- Factory Outlets
- Dubai Lifestyle CityDubai Lifestyle CityDubai Lifestyle City is a multi-purpose development project in the Dubailand area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, covering over 4.15 million square feet. Dubai Lifestyle City at Dubailand was officially inaugurated in January 2006. When completed, the development will have a golf course,...
- Dubai Outlet City
- Themed Leisure and Vacation World (29.7 square kilometre)
- Women's World (LEMNOS)
- Destination Dubai
- Desert Kingdom
- Andalusian Resort and Spa
- Eco-Tourism World (130 square kilometre)
- Al Sahra Desert Resort
- Sand Dune Hotel
- Al Kaheel
- Bio World
- Animal World
- Sports and Outdoor World (32.9 square kilometre)
- Dubai Sports CityDubai Sports CityThe Dubai Sports City is a $4 billion, mixed-use sports city currently being constructed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The city will consist of apartment buildings as well as several sports facilities. The first structures opened in late 2007...
- Emerat Sports World
- Extreme Sports World
- Plantation Equestrian and Polo Club
- Dubai Motor CityDubai Motor CityDubai Motor City is a property development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by . The development is based on a motor-sport theme and includes residential units, business towers, motor-sports facilities, retail and a theme park.The key components of Dubai Motor City areDubai Motor City is a property...
which includes Dubai AutodromeDubai AutodromeThe Dubai Autodrome is an F.I.A. sanctioned 5.39 km motorsports circuit located in Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Opened in October 2004 with the final round of the 2004 Formula Renault V6 Eurocup season, Dubai Autodrome was the first part of the Dubai Motor City development that was... - Dubai Golf CityDubai Golf CityDubai Golf City is a mixed-use $1.8 billion project covering an area of . Currently under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Upon completion it will feature golf courses, a golf academy and convention centres. It will be one of the largest projects at Dubailand...
- Dubai SnowdomeDubai SnowdomeDubai Snowdome was a proposed indoor ski resort that would have been constructed in Dubailand. The project would have been financed and developed by 32Group. The snowdome is a AED 3.7 billion development would have covered an area of and was expected to be completed by late 2008...
- Dubai Sports City
- Downtown (1.8 square kilometre)
- City of ArabiaCity of ArabiaCity of Arabia is a development in Dubailand, Dubai, UAE. It is currently under construction and will have a phased opening starting towards the end of 2011. There will be four components of the small city: Mall of Arabia, Restless Planet, Wadi Walk, and the Elite Towers. It will also include...
- Mall of Arabia, which will be the world's largest shopping mallShopping mallA shopping mall, shopping centre, shopping arcade, shopping precinct or simply mall is one or more buildings forming a complex of shops representing merchandisers, with interconnecting walkways enabling visitors to easily walk from unit to unit, along with a parking area — a modern, indoor version...
- Restless PlanetRestless PlanetRestless Planet is a theme park with attractions designed to portray the environment and creatures of the Mesozoic Era, using life-like robotic dinosaurs and exhibits of real fossil discoveries...
- Wadi Walk
- Elite Towers
- Mall of Arabia, which will be the world's largest shopping mall
- City Walk
- Great Dubai Wheel
- Virtual Game World
- City of Arabia