Merlin Entertainment bares plans for Legoland Dubai

Merlin Entertainments, Europe's number one visitor attractions operator, announced exciting plans for Legoland Dubai, the seventh Legoland Park to open worldwide.
The Park, which will be operated by Merlin, is being developed in conjunction with Dubai Parks & Resorts, a Meraas holding company. Scheduled to open in 2016, Legoland Dubai will be the first Legoland Park in the Middle East.
Located in Jebel Ali, Legoland Dubai will cover a total of three million square feet and feature over 15,000 Lego model structures made from more than 60 million Lego bricks. This includes over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions — all set in six themed areas, some of which are already favourites — Lego City, Adventure, Lego Kingdom, Create, Lego Factory, and the ever popular magical Miniland.
Legoland Dubai will bring the well-known Lego brick to life in a unique interactive world specifically designed for children aged 2-12, encouraging them to stretch their imaginations and their skills as the ‘heroes' in a fun day spent together with friends and family.
Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, said: "We are delighted to be opening in Dubai and to be working with a partner as innovative and supportive as Dubai Parks & Resorts on this exciting new project. Dubai is the most important tourist centre in the Middle East and we believe that it is the ideal place for Legoland. Not only is the Lego concept already very popular here, but Legoland's unique appeal for families with younger children is universal, making it a must do visit not just for ‘local' visitors from Dubai and neighbouring Middle Eastern states; but also tourists visiting the region from all over the world.”
Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Dubai Parks & Resorts, said: "We are excited to have one of the world's leading global leisure operators join hands with us to enhance the entertainment and leisure offerings in Dubai and the wider region. Merlin Entertainments is globally respected by industry players and we are confident that Legoland Dubai will add incredible value to the overall family entertainment experience at Dubai Parks & Resorts.”
In addition to Legoland Dubai, the first phase of Dubai Parks & Resorts will also comprise Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai. Set for completion in 2016, Phase 1 will also feature Riverpark, a grand entrance plaza and Lapita, a family themed hotel.
Source: Khaleej Times