Smurfs and Sony movies coming to Dubai theme park

Dubai Parks and Resorts, a Meraas Holding company, is to set up Sony Pictures Studio and Smurfs Zone at one of its planned theme parks in Dubai.

The deal with Sony Pictures Consumer Products and International Merchandising, Promotion and Services (IMPS) will see the zone established at Motiongate Dubai, a Hollywood inspired theme park taking shape at Dubai’s newest leisure and entertainment destination.

The Sony Pictures Studio and Smurfs Zone will contain 12 themed attractions inspired by popular Sony Pictures theatrical releases, including ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’, ‘Hotel Transylvania’, ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘The Green Hornet’, ‘Underworld’, ‘Zombieland’, in addition to hosting the world’s favorite little blue characters ‘The Smurfs’, the company said in a statement.

Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Dubai Parks and Resorts, said: “Motiongate Dubai has been designed to span a breath-taking four million square feet of Dubai Parks and Resorts and is anticipated to attract three million visitors annually.

"We welcome Sony Pictures’ and IMPS’s presence at motiongate Dubai. With their legacy of excellence in entertaining audiences, we are confident Sony Pictures and the Smurfs Zone will add an exhilarating new dimension to the Middle East’s entertainment landscape.”

Gregory Economos, senior vice president, global consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment, said: “We are very excited to partner with Dubai Parks and Resorts to create compelling attractions that extend our most iconic brands into the themed attractions.”

Veronique Culliford, president, IMPS said: “The Smurfs have enjoyed a legacy of over 50 years. It will be thrilling to have the Smurfs Zone entertain children and adults in this new destination at motiongate Dubai.”

Featuring four zones, inclusive of the Sony Pictures Studio and Smurfs Zone, motiongate Dubai is set to take visitors on a cinematic journey of discovery, bringing to life some of the most recognisable Hollywood icons from the big screen.

Dubai Parks and Resorts unveiled the blueprint of the mega leisure and entertainment destination in September. Phase 1 of the development will comprise Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai and Motiongate Dubai.

Centrally located between the three theme parks, Riverpark will serve as an entrance plaza featuring a mélange of retail, dining and entertainment options.

The project will also host Lapita Hotel, a themed family hotel. Located in Jebel Ali between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Phase 1 of the mega project is scheduled for completion in 2016.