Momentum for Dubai's $2.7bn theme park project

The developer behind a US $2.7 billion theme park project being developed in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai has appointed a number of contractors and consultants, with almost a third of infrastructure work for the first phase completed.

Dubai Parks & Resorts LLC, a subsidiary of Meraas Holding, has brought in industry firms such as Rabben Herman, Gensler, HOK, RTKL, Forrec and Riva Creative to help with the design for Phase 1 of the project.

In addition, consultants including CH2M Hill and Samsung SDS have provided infrastructure design. The overall master plan has been approved by the relevant government authorities.

Scheduled for completion in 2016, the first phase of Dubai Parks & Resorts will feature three theme parks - Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, and Legoland Dubai – as well as Riverpark, a grand entrance plaza.

It will also include Lapita, a family themed hotel. Almost 30% of the infrastructure development at the 25 million square feet site has already been completed.

"A mega project such as Dubai Parks & Resorts requires partners that have a strong track record in developing and delivering leisure and entertainment concepts of this scale,” said Dubai Parks & Resorts CEO Raed Al Nuaimi.

“Following a stringent bidding process we have selected consultants and contractors with whom we are working closely to deliver an entertainment experience that brings to life the UAE leadership's vision of positioning Dubai as a leading global tourist destination."

Launched under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Parks & Resorts has been designed as a mega leisure and entertainment destination to serve the regions that are within a four hour flying distance from Dubai.