Dubai to host Fox World theme park

Al Ahli Holding Group signs agreement to set up four Fox-themed resorts

Fox World Theme Park and Resort is the latest attraction to Dubai's thriving tourism and entertainment industry that will attract up to five million visitors per annum by 2020, according to a top executive of Al Ahli Holding Group.

"The construction of the first-ever Fox-branded theme park and resort will start in 2016. We are targeting to complete the project before the World Expo 2020," Mohammed Khammas, chief executive of Al Ahli Holding Group, told Khaleej Times on Tuesday.

He did not disclose the size and cost of the project but said it will be the second 20th Century Fox World theme park and first Fox-branded resort comprising 200 rooms. The capacity can be expanded in line with future market demand.

Industry insiders said the first 20th Century Fox World, a movie-inspired theme park, is under construction in Malaysia and due to open in late 2017. The project is part of a five billion Malaysian ringgit makeover of the Genting Highland Resorts.

"Under an international licensing partnership deal with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, we will set up four Fox-branded resorts, including one in Dubai," said Khammas, who is the brainchild of this project.

Elaborating, he said 20th Century Fox World in Dubai will be an immersive entertainment destination featuring unique attractions, rides and retail outlets. It will encompass themed lands and bring to life the studio's iconic film and television franchises.

"We look forward to build these attractions and resorts globally, starting with Dubai as the first location. We hope to open additional Fox-branded resorts across other territories including Asia, Europe and Latin America in the future," Khammas said.

The Dubai-based diversified international conglomerate has a direct link to Hollywood through its investment in Marvel about 10 years ago. It has developed a relationship with Disney, Warner Brothers, Lucasfilm, Fox Studios, DC Comics and Sony.

"We are going to expand our studio relations and partnerships to establish the UAE as a family entertainment destination in line with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai," he said.

To a question, he said this entertainment project will complement other developments such as Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds of Adventure.

Jeffrey Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, said 20th Century Fox World in Dubai is the second Fox theme park destination and marks an important step forward in the Group's global theme park strategy.

"Fox World will be a world-class destination that will help fuel Dubai's emergence as a global tourism destination. This park builds on the foundation being laid by 20th Century Fox World, Malaysia, currently under construction," Godsick said in a statement.

Greg Lombardo, senior vice-president of Global Live and Location Based Entertainment for Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, said the Fox World project in Dubai will provide a platform for immersive brand engagement with its customers from around the world, including from the key international markets of Europe, Russia and China.