In the future we can have an event in Dubai!

[Morten]

I looks like there will be a new LEGOLand in Dubai, it will be finished in 2011, I saw that on a danish news site:

http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Penge/2008/05/06/104207.htm

That will make an interesting site for the event 2011!

Morten Sonne

[Quarryman]

Very interesting, I should be able to afford a trip to Dubai by 2011.

Dubai On?

[CopMike]

Yeah and they´re building a lot (maybe all?) of the models in Billund. Got that info from the modelbuilders today!

So is Dubai after the event in California or what ?

Around the LEGO world in 80 days On

copmike

[Captain Green Hair]

I couldn't read the article, but it sounds good. They have great weather there!

[snefroe]

well i've been to dubai about 5 years ago and:

1) the weather can be really hot and dry... great to preserve plastic parts, but not so good for us, humans...

2) they do have Ikea, so the Swedes should feel right at home there

3) they do sell lego there in large shops... i even found the UFO space promo sets from shell there

4) the buildings there ARE amazing and petrol is cheap

5) i'm not surprised about the news though... Dubai set up a program to attract tourists several years ago. They want to have a solid tourist industry by the time the oil runs out in 20 years or so, so they build all sorts of stuff to attract rich western tourists. They also have a big tennis tournement, a giant diamond polishing industry,... The country really is filthy rich though... even bathrooms in public buildings like shopping malls are so luxurious that you think you're the next Khalif in town...

[Holodoc]

2011? Wait - what does my calendar say about 2011? ... OK, but hurry up, otherwise my plans for that year are different.

The country really is filthy rich though... even bathrooms in public buildings like shopping malls are so luxurious that you think you're the next Khalif in town...

My conclusion: Golden Bricks ON!

[legomilk]

Merlin Entertainments Group to Open New LEGOLAND® Park in Dubai

Company forms strategic alliance with Tatweer

LONDON, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Merlin Entertainments Group, the world's

second largest visitor attraction operator, announced today the formation

of a strategic alliance with Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holdings, to create

LEGOLAND Dubailand® -- the first LEGOLAND Park to be built outside of

North America and Europe.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/LATU061)

LEGOLAND Dubailand is scheduled to open at the end of 2011, and will be

a 3 million square-foot theme park project forming part of DUBAILAND,

the world's most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.

Similar to the existing four LEGOLAND Parks at Billund, Denmark; Germany;

Windsor and California (most recently named Best Children's Park for the

fourth consecutive year by Amusement Today) LEGOLAND Dubailand features

more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions geared towards

families with children ages 2 to 12.

LEGOLAND Dubailand offers families a unique opportunity to let their

imaginations run free and be immersed in LEGO® experiences with its mix

of kid-powered rides, cool building challenges, spectacular LEGO models,

interactive attractions, family-friendly coasters, and shows that pull the

audience into the action. All these elements, which bring millions of

visitors to LEGOLAND Parks in North America and Europe, will be part of the

LEGOLAND Dubailand experience.

Merlin Entertainments Group and Tatweer are also looking at a number of

other potential developments, including the establishment of themed

LEGOLAND hotels and possibly other attractions from Merlin Entertainments

extensive portfolio.

Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments Group, said: "Merlin

Entertainments Group is the second largest attraction operator in the

world, and LEGOLAND Parks are well-known throughout the world as the

ultimate destination for families with young children. Choosing this

location for the new LEGOLAND Park reflects the fact that Dubai is becoming

a major holiday destination, not only for the region, but also for visitors

worldwide. Teaming with Tatweer is the perfect way to offer families access

to the LEGOLAND experience and potentially to other attractions within the

Merlin Group."

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer, commented: "We are

extremely proud of our alliance with Merlin Entertainments Group and the

LEGOLAND brand. 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 3

billion square-foot 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 many

others. The global reputation of LEGOLAND Parks for interactive rides,

shows, attractions and its appeal to families with young children adds

further value to DUBAILAND with an enhanced experience to visitors and

tourists."

Commenting, LEGO owner Kjeld Kristiansen said, "LEGOLAND is the

ultimate experience of LEGO values and potential. We are delighted that a

fifth Park will be opening soon and have no doubt that LEGOLAND Dubailand

will be extremely successful."

Nick Varney concluded: "This new LEGOLAND Park highlights Merlin's

growing leadership in the attractions sector. This is an exciting time for

the Group and we have a very aggressive growth strategy, including opening

four to five of our midway indoor attractions each year, as well as

continuing to develop our resort theme parks."

[Bricklord]

Interesting, I know what I'd like to be doing in late 2011. I do find it odd that the Emirates would allow a Danish originated theme park in after the recent cartoon fracas. They may be one of the more openminded of the middle easter countries, but they are still a devoutly Muslim culture with good memories. Just an observation,

Bricklord

[Wout]

Commenting, LEGO owner Kjeld Kristiansen said, "LEGOLAND is the

ultimate experience of LEGO values and potential. We are delighted that a

fifth Park will be opening soon and have no doubt that LEGOLAND Dubailand

will be extremely successful."

I thought the fifth legoland park would come in Kansas? I heard something here one or two years ago.

By the way; Is Dubai not too hot for legostones?