Dubai Parks and Resorts on track to open in October 2016

Dubai Parks and Resorts has confirmed that its mega-theme park complex in Dubai is on track to open in October 2016.

Announcing its financial results for 2015, the Dubai-listed firm said that cumulative project expenditure reached Dhs 5.8 billion (US$1.58 billion) as of end-December 2015.

So far, 100% of the design, 88% of overall facilities structure works and 70% of infrastructure has been completed.

The first ride – Legoland Dubai’s Dragon Coaster - was installed in October and in total 89% of the ride system production with 16 complete rides have been delivered, the company revealed in a statement.

The project has 13,500 workers on site and has engaged 41 contractors.

Set across 23 hectare, Dubai Parks and Resorts will include three theme parks – Hollywood themed motiongate, Legoland and Bollywood Parks, one water park, a hotel and a retail dining district Riverland.

It is slated to be the largest in the region when it opens.

Commenting on the progress of the development, Dubai Parks and Resorts Chief Executive Raed Al Nuaimi stated “projected revenue in the first full year of operation is estimated at Dhs 2.4bn with over 5,000 jobs forecast to be generated across the sector.

“Our total assets stood at Dhs 8.6bn as at the end of 2015. The cumulative project expenditure including land acquired amounted to Dhs 5.8bn, an increase from Dhs 2.6bn as at the end of 2014, and we remain on track and on budget to open in October.”

Contractors are currently constructing the access roads and multi-lane bridges over Sheikh Zayed Road that will lead directly into the resort, Al Nuaimi explaining “hassle-free resort transportation within Dubai Parks and Resorts will be delivered by our tram systems.”

Last year, the company signed partnerships with Lionsgate to bring The Hunger Games and Step Up inspired attractions to Motiongate and also confirmed deals with Wizcraft International, Picsolve International, Etisalat and dnata.

As Al Nuaimi comments “we have recently partnered with specialised theme park service vendors, including HB Leisure, to provide over 45 skill games across the three theme parks, as well as Best Lockers, Scooter Bug and the Penny Press Factory.”

Lease proposals have been signed for over 50% of Riverland and some of the confirmed brands include The Irish Village, Starbucks, Taste of Italy, European dining concept Parle and UK dining venue Giraffe.

Al Nuaimi concluded “we also announced that we have acquired 15,860 trees, 6,100 palms and over 1.4 million shrubs and groundcovers, both locally and from overseas, to enhance the appearance of the resort, including 14 eight-metre tall olive trees ranging from 200-300 years old imported from Italy.

“As we enter 2016, we are now firmly focused on achieving monthly milestones to ensure we open the destination in nine months’ time.”

Images: An aerial view of Dubai Parks and Resorts (top) and the planned Legoland waterpark (below).

13th January 2016 - DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS LANDSCAPING PROGRAM BRINGING GREENERY TO THE DESERT

1st September 2015 - DUBAI THEME PARK FIRM TO CREATE OVER 1,000 JOBS FOR UAE NATIONALS

29th June 2015 - THEME PARKS IN DUBAI SET TO ATTRACT REVENUES CLOSE TO US$5 BILLION BY 2020

23rd April 2015 - MERLIN AGREES DEAL TO DEVELOP LEGOLAND WATERPARK IN DUBAI