19
January 2008 - Tatweer,
a member of Dubai Holding, announced it has formed a strategic
alliance with US-based DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.
(NYSE: DWA) to develop a diverse portfolio of tourism
and leisure projects in Dubailand™, the world’s
most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.
A highlight of the alliance will be the creation of the
world’s first DreamWorks Animation branded theme park
in Dubai. The outlay at the 5 million sq feet theme park
project is a multi-billion AED investment.
The venture will bring to life the much-loved characters
from DreamWorks Animation films, including Shrek, the upcoming
Kung Fu Panda and several others, to create adventures and
attractions in a first of its kind development for the studio.
Tatweer and DreamWorks Animation will also work together
to develop new concepts, including Dreamworks Animation
themed restaurants, hotels and retail outlets in the region,
providing unique experiences through the use of innovative
media and creative storytelling.
Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer, said:
“We are extremely proud of our alliance with DreamWorks
Animation. The partnership demonstrates our dedication to
deliver on the tourism objectives of Dubai Strategic Plan
2015, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE
and Ruler of Dubai.
“As the owner and developer of the three-billion sq
ft Dubailand™, which hosts some of the world’s most
enchanting entertainment concepts, Tatweer has become a
leader in bringing landmark projects to Dubai, including
Bawadi, Tiger Woods Dubai and the world’s best theme
parks. DreamWorks Animation’s global reputation in
character creation and its strong character portfolio will
add further value to our offering, providing an enhanced
experience to visitors and tourists.”
Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, said: “We
are thrilled to bring the first DreamWorks Animation dedicated
theme park to Dubai through our alliance with Tatweer for
Dubailand™. This relationship will allow us to create an
exciting destination where families and tourists will enjoy
the unique opportunity to interact with DreamWorks branded
content within Dubailand™.”
Roger Enrico, Chairman of DreamWorks Animation, adds: “We
are excited over the opportunity to align DreamWorks Animation
with a company like Tatweer, which has a proven reputation
as a leader in the growing tourism, leisure and entertainment
industry throughout this region. The complementary strengths
of both organizations will further contribute to Dubai’s
emergence as a premier global tourist destination.”
Tatweer’s strategic partnerships for unique entertainment
concepts with world leading entertainment brands such as
Dreamworks Animation will help Dubai meet its tourism objectives
of attracting an average of 15 million tourists annually
to Dubai.
Dubailand™ spreads on an area of 3 billion sq ft,
and includes Universal Studios Dubailand™, Dubai Sports
City, Motor City, Falcon City, Dubai Heritage Vision, and
Al Barari are projects that are under advanced stages of
development in Dubailand™. The Polo and Equestrian
Club and City of Arabia are currently in the initial stages
of infrastructure work.
About DreamWorks Animation SKG:
DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to
developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated
feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong
and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking
technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high
quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going
audience. The Company has theatrically released a total
of fifteen animated feature films, including Antz, Shrek,
Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Over the Hedge, Shrek the Third and
Bee Movie.