04 March 2008 - Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding,
announced today a strategic alliance with US-based Six
Flags Inc. (NYSE: SIX), the world's largest theme park
company, to develop thrill-driven theme parks across the
Arab world.
The highlight of the strategic alliance will be the development
of Six Flags DUBAILAND®, a five million square feet
multi-billion dirham theme park within the world’s
largest tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.
The first Six Flags project to be developed outside of
North America, the theme park comes as part of Tatweer’s
tactical contribution to Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, which
aims to develop the emirate into a leading global hub
for tourism and leisure.
Featuring its signature line-up of thrill and themed adventure
rides and attractions, Six Flags DUBAILAND® will boast
world renowned entertainment franchises such as the children's
musical group Wiggles and professional skateboarder Tony
Hawk. The park’s unique components will complement
Six Flags’ award-winning productions and original
programming, such as Operation Spygirl, the 'Big E' Entertainment
Award recipient at the 2007 IAPAA Trade Show and Convention.
Tatweer and Six Flags DUBAILAND® also will work together
to integrate their expertise to create new concepts across
the region, such as Six Flags theme parks, branded restaurants,
hotels and retail outlets that will holistically offer
unique travel and vacation opportunities for tourists,
families and visitors worldwide.
For the theme park project, Six Flags will conceptualize
and oversee the master plan based on its history in that
arena, which includes the development, ownership and management
of 21 parks across North America. Groundbreaking is expected
in 2009. Additionally, the Six Flags corporate alliance
division will represent Dubailand for international corporate
sponsorship opportunities.
Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer, said: "The
addition of Six Flags, one of the world’s most reputed
leisure and entertainment companies, to our burgeoning
portfolio complements DUBAILAND’s® value proposition
as an unrivalled tourism destination. It is a privilege
for Tatweer to be selected by Six Flags as its regional
partner and DUBAILAND® as the destination to host
the first Six Flags theme park outside of North America.”
Six Flags DUBAILAND® will join the elite repertoire
of Tatweer-owned world class projects at DUBAILAND® destination
such as BAWADI®, The Tiger Woods Dubai, Universal
Studios DUBAILAND®, DreamWorks Animation Park, Hit
Entertainment and Global Village.
Al Muntafiq added: “The new alliance with yet another
global leisure and entertainment leader such as Six Flags
consolidates Tatweer’s commitment to becoming a
leading global tourism, leisure and entertainment investor,
and a key contributor to the tourism objectives of Dubai
Strategic Plan 2015.”
Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of Six Flags, said: "This
is a historic day for our company. Expanding Six Flags
beyond our current North American borders validates the
growing strength and momentum of our brand. Through this
partnership with Tatweer, we now have the opportunity
to create a world-class theme park destination that will
allow guests from around the globe to experience Six Flags'
unique combination of thrills and entertainment."
The three billion sq feet DUBAILAND®, a member of
Tatweer, comprises projects that include DreamWorks Animation
Park, Universal Studios DUBAILAND®, BAWADI®, Global
Village, and projects that are under advanced stages of
development including Dubai Sports City, Motor City, Falcon
City, Dubai Heritage Vision, and Al Barari. The Polo and
Equestrian Club and City of Arabia are currently in the
initial stages of infrastructure work.
About Six Flags, Inc:
Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme
park company with 21 parks across the United States, Mexico
and Canada. Founded in 1961, Six Flags has provided world
class entertainment for millions of families with cutting
edge, record-shattering roller coasters and appointment
programming with events like the popular Thursday and
Sunday Night Concert Series. Now 47 years strong, Six
Flags is recognized as the preeminent thrill innovator
while reaching to all demographics – families, teens,
tweens and thrill seekers alike – with themed attractions
based on the Looney Tunes characters, the Justice League
of America, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, The Wiggles
and Thomas the Tank Engine. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded
corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.
Contacts:
Sandra Daniels, Six Flags Inc.
212-652-9360
972-595-5178
Email:
sdaniels@sftp.com
