29 April 2008 - Tatweer announced today the launch of the first FREEJ Theme Park, a four million sq. ft. family entertainment destination based on the much-loved characters from FREEJ, the Middle East’s first and most popular 3-D animation series. Marking a defining moment in the UAE’s cultural history, the fantasy world of the FREEJ theme park will be located in the heart of DUBAILAND® and will offer innovative rides, breathtaking attractions and fun-filled experiences. It will serve as a getaway destination for adventure lovers and leisure seekers, represented by its four main ambassadors, Um Saeed, Um Saloom, Um Allawi and Um Khammas.

Pioneers in the leisure and entertainment industry, Tatweer demonstrates its commitment to raising the bar on home grown talent and spotlighting it alongside globally reputed theme parks that are currently being developed at the world’s biggest destination for leisure, tourism and entertainment. It also underpins Tatweer’s status as a major industry leader, relentlessly innovating its distinctive leisure and entertainment portfolio to attract more visitors.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman, Tatweer, said: “It is indeed a proud moment not just for Tatweer but for the whole of the UAE that the success and popularity of a home grown product is being recognised with a dedicated world-class theme park.”

“The launch of the FREEJ DUBAILAND® theme park is only the first initiative of an ambitious growth plan for the FREEJ brand, transforming it from a television series into a world class leisure and entertainment Arab intellectual property. Additionally, in recreating the world of FREEJ at Dubailand®, we will provide an innovative regional touch to our entire offerings, in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, while further boosting the tourism sector.”

Boasting hotels totalling 2,600 keys, FREEJ DUBAILAND® will feature retail, food and beverage outlets, as well as entertainment attractions. The development, which will also comprise a 1.2 million sq feet open space area, is planned to welcome two million visitors a year.

Mohammed Saeed Harib, Chairman, LAMMTARA, and the creator of FREEJ, said: “Tatweer’s decision to bring the FREEJ characters to life marks an extraordinary recognition of local creativity. The concept of this theme park comes as a natural progression of the show’s popularity that cuts across all age groups and genders. Reflecting world class standards and offering inspiring entertainment, we are confident the FREEJ Theme Park will prove to be as popular as its television counterpart.”

Mohammed Al Habbai, CEO, Dubailand®, said: “FREEJ DUBAILAND® will add holistic value to the entire development, complementing DUBAILAND®’s services and activities. As the first theme park born out of national talent, we consider this a landmark achievement.

“In offering an unrivalled experience, the FREEJ Theme Park will further Dubai’s strategic objective of evolving into one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Adding a new dimension to DUBAILAND®’s diverse bundle of leisure attractions, the theme park will focus on the country’s culture components as reflected through the eyes of the iconic FREEJ characters.”

The development will be the first theme park to focus on Arab culture and creativity, heritage and achievement. Additionally, the four elderly ladies in FREEJ will act as ambassadors to each of the four distinct lands within the park – Window on UAE, Golden Age of Discovery as, Myths and Legends, and the Land of FREEJ that will be an exact replica of the famous neighbourhood that is portrayed on television.

The characters will also serve as storytellers in everything from rides and shows to retail, food and beverages, providing a glimpse into Dubai’s unique past, present and future.

The three billion sq feet DUBAILAND®, a member of Tatweer, comprises projects including DreamWorks Animation Park, Marvel Theme Park, Six Flags, HIT Entertainment, Universal Studios Dubailand®, Global Village and other projects part of the destination include Dubai Sports City, Motor City, Dubai Outlet Mall, Al Sahra Desert Resort, Al Barari, The Polo and Equestrian Club, City of Arabia, Legends, Dubai Wheel and Falcon City of Wonders.