Tatweer and DreamWorks Animation Strike Strategic Alliance to Create World's First DreamWorks Animation Theme Park in Dubai
07/02/2008 23:44
PR Newswire
DUBAI, UAE, February 7 /PRNewswire/ --
- Venture Adds Further Value to Dubai's Tourism Offerings
Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, today announced it has
formed a strategic alliance with US-based DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.
(NYSE: DWA) to develop a diverse portfolio of tourism and leisure projects in
Dubailand(TM), the world's most ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment
destination.
(Photo:
A highlight of the alliance will be the creation of the
world's first DreamWorks Animation branded theme park in Dubai. The outlay at
the 5 million sq feet theme park project is a multi-billion AED investment.
The venture will bring to life the much-loved characters from
DreamWorks Animation films, including Shrek, the upcoming Kung Fu Panda and
several others, to create adventures and attractions in a first of its kind
development for the studio.
Tatweer and DreamWorks Animation will also work together to
develop new concepts, including Dreamworks Animation themed restaurants,
hotels and retail outlets in the region, providing unique experiences through
the use of innovative media and creative storytelling.
Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer, said: "We
are extremely proud of our alliance with DreamWorks Animation. 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 three-billion sq ft
Dubailand(TM), 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 the world's best theme parks.
DreamWorks Animation's global reputation in character creation and its strong
character portfolio will add further value to our offering, providing an
enhanced experience to visitors and tourists."
Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, said: "We are
thrilled to bring the first DreamWorks Animation dedicated theme park to
Dubai through our alliance with Tatweer for Dubailand(TM). This relationship
will allow us to create an exciting destination where families and tourists
will enjoy the unique opportunity to interact with DreamWorks branded content
within Dubailand(TM)."
Roger Enrico, Chairman of DreamWorks Animation, adds: "We are
excited over the opportunity to align DreamWorks Animation with a company
like Tatweer, which has a proven reputation as a leader in the growing
tourism, leisure and entertainment industry throughout this region. The
complementary strengths of both organizations will further contribute to
Dubai's emergence as a premier global tourist destination."
Tatweer's strategic partnerships for unique entertainment
concepts with world leading entertainment brands such as Dreamworks Animation
will help Dubai meet its tourism objectives of attracting an average of 15
million tourists annually to Dubai.
Dubailand spreads on an area of 3 billion sq ft, and includes
Universal Studios Dubailand, Dubai Sports City, Motor City, Falcon City,
Dubai Heritage Vision, and Al Barari which are projects that are under
advanced stages of development in Dubailand(TM). The Polo and Equestrian
Club and City of Arabia are currently in the initial stages of
infrastructure work.
About DreamWorks Animation SKG
DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing
computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative
talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking
technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG
animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company has
theatrically released a total of fifteen animated feature films, including
Antz, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Over the Hedge, Shrek the Third and Bee
Movie.
About Dubailand
Dubailand, a member of Tatweer, is the world's most
ambitious tourism, leisure and entertainment project, catering to the needs
of the entire family. The unique 3 billion sq. ft. development has been
designed to catalyze the position of Dubai as an international hub of family
tourism, appealing to tourist segments across genders, age group, world
regions and activity preferences. Dubailand is projected to attract millions
of tourists annually from around the world.
The diverse projects under Dubailand include theme
parks, eco-tourism projects, shopping malls, restaurants and residential
units that are being developed by UAE, GCC and international investors.
A product of extraordinary vision, Dubailand will be an
attractive place to 'live, work and play' for the emirate's growing
population, both as a leisure destination and an appropriate setting for
business and entertainment development.
About Tatweer:
Launched in December 2005, Tatweer is one the region's most
dynamic enterprises and a member of Dubai Holding. Comprising 10
market-leading brands, it oversees an ambitious business development plan.
Its current portfolio is divided into Energy & Healthcare, Tourism &
Entertainment, and Industry & Real Estate offerings. Its entities include
Dubai Healthcare City, the region's hub for world-class quality healthcare
services; Mizin, one of the most advanced real estate companies in the
region; Universal City Dubailand, the 22 million sq ft development, featuring
Universal Studios Dubailand as its centerpiece; "The Tiger Woods - Dubai", an
exclusive golf community that will include the first Tiger Woods designed
golf course; Dubailand, one of the biggest leisure, entertainment and tourism
destinations in the Middle East; Dubai Industrial City, an industrial
township to develop Dubai as a leading manufacturing hub; Bawadi, the world's
leading hospitality and entertainment project hosting 51 luxury hotels and
more than 60,000 hotel rooms; Dubai Energy, investing in regional and global
energy opportunities and building a diversified investment portfolio; Dubai
Mercantile Exchange, the first energy futures exchange in the Middle East set
up in partnership with the New York Mercantile Exchange and Global Village, a
premier family destination for culture, entertainment, cuisine and commerce.
Tatweer's entities continue to consolidate a group of
life-improving industries in addition to pioneering joint venture initiatives
with leading global conglomerates. They continuously strive for world-class
performance, while implementing leadership development to drive and sustain
business excellence, quality and high performance.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document includes certain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The Company's plans, prospects, strategies, proposals and our beliefs and
expectations concerning performance of our current and future releases and
anticipated talent, directors and storyline for our upcoming films and other
projects, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based
on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the
industry in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions. These
statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks,
uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Actual results
may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein
due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or
regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation
of the business of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. These risks and
uncertainties include: audience acceptance of our films, our dependence on
the success of a limited number of releases each year, the increasing cost of
producing and marketing feature films, piracy of motion pictures, the effect
of rapid technological change or alternative forms of entertainment and our
need to protect our proprietary technology and enhance or develop new
technology. In addition, due to the uncertainties and risks involved in the
development and production of animated feature projects, the release dates
for the projects described in this document may be delayed. For a further
list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed
by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent
annual report on Form 10-K and our most recent quarterly reports on Form
10-Q. DreamWorks Animation is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims
any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as
a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or
otherwise.
CONTACTS:
Rich Sullivan (DreamWorks Animation)
+1-818-(695-3521)
rich.sullivan@dreamworksanimation.com
For further information
Agency:
Aseel Nihad
Senior Account Executive
Jiwin the Public Relations Arm of Dubai Press Club
Phone: +971-4-3613584
Email: aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae
Or
Alia Bin Hendi
Dubailand
Senior Executive - PR & Communication
Direct +971-4-368-00-32
Email: alia.binhendi@dubailand.ae
CONTACTS: Rich Sullivan (DreamWorks Animation), +1-818-(695-3521), rich.sullivan@dreamworksanimation.com. For further information: Agency: Aseel Nihad, Senior Account Executive, Jiwin the Public Relations Arm of Dubai Press Club, Phone: +971-4-3613584, Email: aseel.nihad@Jiwin.ae Or Alia Bin Hendi, Dubailand, Senior Executive - PR & Communication, Direct +971-4-368-00-32, Email: alia.binhendi@dubailand.ae