Tatweer and Merlin Entertainments Group Form Regional Strategic Alliance to Develop LEGOLAND(R) Theme Parks

- DUBAILAND(R) to Host First LEGOLAND(R) Theme Park Outside of North America and Europe

Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, today formed a strategic alliance with Merlin Entertainments Group, the world's second largest visitor attraction group, to build LEGOLAND(R) Parks across the Arab world.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/304099 )

Tatweer and Merlin Entertainment Group announced the launch of LEGOLAND(R) DUBAILAND(R) - the first LEGOLAND(R) Park ever built outside of North America and Europe. The AED 912 million project, occupying a total of 3 million sq ft inside DUBAILAND(R), the world's largest leisure and entertainment destination, LEGOLAND(R) DUBAILAND(R) will feature more than 40

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman, Tatweer said: "We are extremely proud of our alliance with LEGOLAND(R) and Merlin Entertainments Group. The partnership once again demonstrates our dedication to deliver on the tourism objectives of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 as we multiply our portfolio of entertainment offerings, contributing to transforming Dubai into a pioneering world class tourism destination."

"This alliance further consolidates Tatweer's status as the leader in developing the world's most enchanting entertainment concepts and bringing the best leisure and entertainment brands, such as Universal Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Six Flags, Marvel and HIT Entertainment to Dubai. LEGOLAND Park's global reputation in family-friendly rides, shows, attractions and its strong appeal for family and kids will add a new dimension to our offering, providing an enhanced experience to visitors and tourists."

Nick Varney, Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments Group said: "Merlin Entertainments Group branded visitor attractions, including LEGOLAND(R) Parks are well-known throughout the world as the ultimate destinations for families with young children. Choosing Dubai for the newest LEGOLAND(R) 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 the LEGOLAND(R)

Broadening the experience for families and visitors, Tatweer and Merlin Entertainments Group will additionally work together to develop new concepts, including LEGOLAND(R) themed hotels and possibly other attractions from Merlin Entertainments' extensive portfolio.

Currently, there are four LEGOLAND Parks: LEGOLAND(R) Billund, LEGOLAND(R) Windsor, LEGOLAND(R) Deutschland and LEGOLAND(R) California which was recently named Best Children's Park for the fourth year in a row by Amusement Today.

LEGOLAND(R) Parks offer families the opportunity to let their imaginations run free, and be immersed in LEGO(R) experiences with a unique mix of kid-powered rides, building challenges, spectacular LEGO(R) models, interactive attractions, family-friendly coasters and shows that pull the audience into the action.

Other projects owned by Tatweer at the Dubailand destination include, The Tiger Woods Dubai, Universal Studios DUBAILAND(R), Global Village DUBAILAND(R), DreamWorks DUBAILAND(R) Animation Park, Hit Entertainment "Little Big Club DUBAILAND(R)," Six Flags DUBAILAND(R), Marvel DUBAILAND(R) and FREEJ DUBAILAND(R).

Exciting attractions such as Dubai Sports City, MotorCity, Falcon City of Wonders, Al Sahra Desert Resort, the Polo and Equestrian Club, Al Barari and City of Arabia are also part of DUBAILAND(R)'s overall offering.

About LEGOLAND(R)

LEGOLAND(R) is a brand of interactive theme parks dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. Each Park features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions geared towards interactive family fun. There are four LEGOLAND Parks in the world - LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London, LEGOLAND California in the U.S. and LEGOLAND

About MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP:

THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world's second biggest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates 58 attractions and 6 hotels in 12 countries, and on 3 continents around the world. Merlin aims to deliver

About DUBAILAND(R)

DUBAILAND(R), a member of Tatweer, is the world's largest tourism, leisure and entertainment destination, 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(R) is projected to attract millions of tourists annually from around the world.

The diverse projects under DUBAILAND(R) 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(R) 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 of the region's most dynamic enterprises and a member of Dubai Holding. Comprising 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; DUBAILAND(R), one of the biggest leisure, entertainment and tourism destinations in the world including Universal City DUBAILAND(R), featuring Universal Studios DUBAILAND(R) as its centerpiece; DreamWorks DUBAILAND(R),

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.

For further information

Agency:

Aseel Nihad

Associate Account Manager

Jiwin Public Relations

Phone: +971-4-3613584

Email: [email protected]

Or

Ahmed Tajedeen

Director Marketing - DUBAILAND(R) Destination

Direct +971-4-368-00-12

Email: [email protected]

Or

John Ussher

General Manager

Merlin Entertainments Group Limited and LEGOLAND(R) development

Phone: +1-604-882-5463

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Tatweer and Merlin Entertainments Group

CONTACT: Agency: Aseel Nihad,

Associate Account Manager,

Jiwin Public Relations,

+971-4-3613584,

[email protected];

or Ahmed Tajedeen,

Director Marketing - DUBAILAND(R) Destination,

+971-4-368-00-12,

[email protected];

or John Ussher,

General Manager,

Merlin Entertainments Group Limited and LEGOLAND(R)development,

+1-604-882-5463,

[email protected]

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/304099

Web site: http://www.LEGOLAND.com

--Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--

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