faeriewench Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 Nakheel-BEC to develop four theme parks Staff Reporter 28 February 2008 DUBAI - US-based Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC) and Nakheel have reached an agreement to develop four theme parks on The Palm Jebel Ali. BEC President and Chief Operating Officer, Jim Atchison announced the deal with Nakheel’s CEO, Chris O’Donnell, and The Palm Jebel Ali’s Managing Director, Marwan Al Qamzi, in a ceremony at SeaWorld Orlando, on February 28. A press released issued by BEC said that as per the agreement, the Worlds of Discovery project on the second of its three Palm man-made island developments will be phased and includes SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. Preliminary design work and site planning is underway, with the first phase expected to open in 2012. Worlds of Discovery on The Palm Jebel Ali will also include a variety of other family activities, including resort hotels, spas, shops and restaurants. In addition to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, plans call for the construction of a Discovery Cove similar to the park adjacent to SeaWorld Orlando in Central Florida. Discovery Cove in Orlando is an all-inclusive, reservations-only park that features a variety of animal interactions and resort experiences, most notably swimming with bottlenose dolphins, rays and exotic fish. Chris O’Donnell, Nakheel CEO, said, “Dubai has fast become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations and a key part of the strategy has been attracting world-class entertainment brands to the emirate. We have already agreed partnerships with major brands such as Trump, Cirque du Soleil, and Atlantis, and the partnership with BEC is a further example of Dubai’s growth as a city of global prominence. Further, O’Donnell said, “We are honoured that The Palm Jebel Ali will become home to the first Worlds of Discovery theme parks outside of the US, which is not only a major coup for Nakheel, but for the whole of Dubai.” Marwan Al Qamzi, Managing Director, The Palm Jebel Ali, said Nakheel is delighted to sign this unique partnership with BEC. “SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove Worlds are incredible entertainment concepts that have thrilled millions of families since its opening. Worlds of Discovery will become the attraction of The Palm Jebel Ali and I am already excited about opening the doors to our very first visitors in 2012.” BEC President Jim Atchison pointed out that the partnership provides tremendous growth opportunity for both companies. More than 230 million square metres of sand and 10 million tonnes of rock have been used in the construction of The Palm Jebel Ali, with the island adding more than 85 kilometres of coastline to Dubai. Reclamation of the island is nearly complete and Nakheel has already begun putting in place an infrastructure that will eventually support a population of more than 280,000 people. The Worlds of Discovery in Dubai will be designed and managed by BEC. The parks will be staffed by a combination of BEC ex-patriots and outside executives trained in BEC parks in the United States and workers recruited regionally. SeaWorld Dubai will include many of the attractions visitors have come to enjoy in BEC’s U.S. operations, including killer whale, dolphin and sea lion attractions and marine themed rides. BEC will provide all animals for the parks developed in Dubai, including killer whales, sea lions and bottlenose dolphins. http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle...;section=theuae Right now there's a live webcast from SeaWorld Orlando's Shamu stadium talking of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iChase Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 Wow that's awesome! Is there anything they won't put on that island? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickelodeon Universe Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 I find it odd that Busch agreed to build on those man-made islands since they mess up the ecosystem and the currents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faeriewench Posted February 28, 2008 Author Share Posted February 28, 2008 I find it odd that Busch agreed to build on those man-made islands since they mess up the ecosystem and the currents. Guess it depends on the types of currents. For certain, whatever micro or macro ecosystem that existed where the islands now stand is altered or destroyed. And that earth used to build the island had to come from somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Nemo Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 This truly is an amazing project! It is so unbelievable how much money Dubai is swimming in. I just can't wait to see how parking will be. Still it baffles me how this is actually becoming reality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrill_Biscuit Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 I just can't wait to see how parking will be. Still it baffles me how this is actually becoming reality. LOL. It makes me wonder if everyone will just have yachts. Seriously, Dubai's development explosion is mind-blowing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 Yeah, can't wait to see Budweiser Products over in Dubai! Should be Great! <G> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 ^ I was thinking the same thing. A friend of mine has been to Dubai several times...he said it's great, but you never really get used to the sight of women laying on the beach in bercas (sp?) in 110 degree heat... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 ^ I was thinking the same thing. A friend of mine has been to Dubai several times...he said it's great, but you never really get used to the sight of women laying on the beach in bercas (sp?) in 110 degree heat... Dubai must just be a true dream So tolerant of others and their opinions. It's fantastic that they actually let the women lay out on the beach! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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