Universal comes to Dubai

Universal comes to Dubai

DUBAI: Hollywood-based Universal Studios will develop a theme park in the Gulf emirate as part of a $2.2 billion project, offering adventures based on films such as King Kong, a state-owned Dubai firm said.

Universal Parks & Resorts, which operates similar theme parks in Hollywood, Florida and Japan, will develop the park and desert area outside Dubai, Tatweer, a company owned by the ruler of Dubai said.

The park will be one of the largest in the world, covering 6.5 million square feet.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum owns Tatweer through his Dubai Holding.

"The investor-support environment and the convenient geographical location ... all contribute to making Dubai our location of choice for our first branded theme park in the region," Universal Parks & Resorts chairman Thomas Williams said.