Dubailand 'will not allow delay of projects'

Dubailand has said it would take over any delayed project and build it on its own to ensure timely delivery.

Dubailand has said it would take over any delayed project and build it on its own to ensure timely delivery.

Mohammed Al Habbai, Chief Executive of the mega-development, told Emirates Business that no developers will be allowed to delay the construction work on any of the projects.

Although so far no project has been identified as delayed, Al Habbai said Dubailand , a member of Tatweer, would not hesitate to take over any such project if the need arises.

"We want to go ahead as planned and will not entertain companies that delay the start of construction work. If there is a need, we will do it ourselves," said Al Habbai. Although the first phase of the Dubailand is expected to be complete by 2010 it will take another 12 years for the project to be completely operational.

To date, Dubailand has announced 23 major projects and work on most of them is on schedule. Some of the projects that are already operational include the Autodrome in Motor City, Polo and Equestrian Club, Outlet Mall in Outlet City, Global Village, Al Sahra Desert Resort and the Ernie Els Golf Club at Dubai Sports City.

Meanwhile, total investment at Dubailand has risen to Dh325 billion 38 per cent more than the Dh235bn announced in 2007, Emirates Business has learned.

Al Habbai said the increase was due to three mega projects having been launched in the first three months of this year. And he added more global attractions were in the pipeline, despite the fact that investments at Dubailand have already beaten expectations. The first announcement this year was Dreamworks Animation Parks in January followed by Little Big Club from Hit entertainment at Global Village in February and Six Flags Theme Park in March.

Dubailand is in talks with property and entertainment groups for the launch of new projects, said Al Habbai. "Within this month we will be announcing another new project. Talks have reached the final stage with the parties concerned."

Launched in October 2003, Dubailand is pitching itself as the Middle East's answer to Disneyland with major attractions including theme parks, culture and art centres, science displays and planetariums, sports academies, resorts and hotels.

Next up, the Formula 1 theme park at Motor City will be ready by the third quarter of 2009 and the following year will see the launch of the project's first water theme park, Universal Studios and the City of Arabia. Other phase one projects due to open in 2010 include the Ernie Els Golf Course, Global Village, Dubai Outlet City, Plantation World and the Al Sahara Desert Resort.

Universal Studios will be the main attraction of the Dh8bn Universal City. The project will include theme parks that will showcase movie themed rides, shows and characters.

The project will consist of four themed lands, including Hollywood Zone, Metropolis Zone and Adventure Zone and will include attractions like the Mummy, Jurassic Park River Adventure and The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show, along with new attractions such as a King Kong-themed roller coaster and an Aladdin-themed ride.

Pierre Y Paquette, project director at PB Middle East Limited, told Emirates Business earthwork on four luxury hotels has already started and along with the boulevard, they will be ready by December 10, 2010.

"The boulevard will connect the hotels to the theme park. Along the city street will be the retail shops, restaurants and cinemas," said Paquette.

All Dubailand projects are expected to be completed by 2020. It expects to generate a footfall of 40,000 visitors a day, contributing to the goal of attracting 15 million visitors to the UAE every year.