Nakheel reveals sneak preview of world beating entertainment portfolio

The activity began with the unveiling of the Worlds of Discovery model by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Marwan Al Qamzi, Managing Director, Palm Jebel Ali; and Jim Atchison, President, Busch Entertainment Corporation. The island in the shape of Shamu, Sea World's famous killer whale will occupy a section of Palm Jebel Ali known as 'the Crown'.

The concept masterplan includes SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. Nakheel and Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC) reached agreement in February 2008 for the phased construction of the four theme parks, with the first park due to open its doors to visitors in 2012.

Throughout the exhibition, a full programme of exhilarating performances from some of the most prominent tourist attractions soon to take up permanent residence on Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali, will be presented. Visitors will be able to visit a walk through recreation of the lost chambers of Atlantis and see spectacular live performances by Cirque Du Soleil and Worlds of Discovery.

Chris O'Donnell, Nakheel CEO, said:

'Nakheel is creating a range of tourism facilities and attractions that will define Dubai's tourism offer for decades to come. From iconic landmarks such as The Palm and The World, to resorts, hotels and mega malls, we are boosting Dubai's tourism offer, in the goal of the Emirate achieving 15 million tourists per year by 2015.'

'A key part in our strategy is to attract world class entertainment and tourism brands to Dubai, and this year at ATM we are showcasing these partnerships. Cirque du Soleil, Atlantis and Worlds of Discovery will all provide major attractions that will fuel the growth of tourism in Dubai. As we witness the realisation of projects such as Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and The World, we are thrilled to be partnering with world-renowned entertainment brands to assist in delivering this commitment.'

During ATM 2008, the Worlds of Discovery team will offer a sneak preview into the four parks that will be coming to Worlds of Discovery, Dubai. Singers and dancers from SeaWorld and Busch Gardens will perform live on stage, a model giant killer whale will rise above the stand and footage will showcase the animals that will one day take up residence at the parks. A second interactive presentation will be given by three key Worlds of Discovery personnel - Laura Surovik, Head Trainer at Shamu Stadium, Robert Yordi, the head Zoologist for Worlds of Discovery Dubai, and Mike Boos, Animal Curator for Busch Gardens, who will be taking questions from the audience.

World renowned touring theatre, Cirque du Soleil will also be performing four awe inspiring acts in a show especially designed for Nakheel at ATM 2008. 'A Taste of Cirque du Soleil' promises to encapsulate the magic and wizadry of the 'Circus of the Sun,' due to become a permanent theatre offering an entirely original show specifically created for The Palm Jumeirah from 2010.