UAE prepares for theme park boom (page 2 of 2)

'Presumably the developers have done their research to determine that there will be enough demand for their parks.'

But people should think twice before questioning the viability of these projects, Wilkinson believes. For example, the sheer number of projects being planned for Dubailand is no accident: 'Dubai is aiming for a true critical mass, it is integral to its plans.'

Wilkinson used to doubt whether the emirate would be able to pull off all of its ambitions plans, but is now a believer. 'We like to compare Dubai to Orlando or Disneyland, but there has never been growth like this anywhere else in the world. When it comes to projects like this, you just have to believe what Dubai has to say,' he says.

Arab demand is questioned

One thing that developers are counting on is a large demand from Middle East tourists, partly because there are no other parks in the region. However, one industry expert who asked to remain anonymous said it is wrong to expect that these parks will be hugely popular with Arabs.

He notes that there is currently an amusement park in the creek area of Dubai that gets only about '15 visitors a day'. He said one problem is that locals from the region, especially women, do not like to go on 'scare' rides.

He also feels that locals will not be interested in the themes of the American franchises. 'How many of them are going to know what 'Terminator 3' is?' he asked.

And theme parks can quickly lapse into decline if visitor numbers are below expectations. 'One ride can cost up to $100m to build, and similarly to a personal computer, it becomes outdated after a few years. If you are not getting the amount of visitors you hope to get, you will not be generating the revenue you need to upgrade the rides, and your park will seem old rather quickly,' he said.

One project, the Legends in Dubailand, has already been cancelled, he noted. The project was slated to be home to three indoor theme parks.

Theme park rundown

Here is a look at plans announced by Hollywood studios and other entertainment companies for theme parks in the Middle East:

Marvel Entertainment is partnering with Dubailand to build a $1bn theme park based on characters like Spider-Man and X-Men.

Universal Studios is teaming up with Tatweer on a $2.2bn project using franchises such as King Kong and Jurassic Park.

Paramount Pictures is partnering with Ruwaad Holdings on a theme park as part of a $2.5bn complex in Dubai using movie themes such as Titanic.

Warner Bros. is teaming up with Aldar Properties on a theme park based on characters including Bugs Bunny and Superman.

DreamWorks Animation is partnering with Tatweer to bring franchises such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda to Dubailand.

Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch's entertainment division has announced a four-park plan, including a SeaWorld, in Dubai with partner Nakheel.

Theme park operator Six Flags is partnering with Tatweer on a thrill-ride section of Dubailand.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is building an entertainment complex in Abu Dhabi with Sorouh Real Estate based on franchises including the Pink Panther and James Bond.

Legoland is building a new park in Dubailand, which will be the park's first venture outside of North America and Europe.

See also:
Legoland is Dubailand's latest building block
Dubai on track to hit tourism target