Offering more than theme parks

Mohammad Al Habbai, senior vice-president of Dubailand, believes Dubailand will play a crucial role in attracting 15 million tourists as envisioned by Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

Dubailand "will catalyse the position of Dubai as an international hub for family tourism, in addition to generating niche employment opportunities", he told Gulf News.

Is it too ambitious to build so many theme parks and expect people to come? Al Habbai said Dubailand isn't just offering a variety of theme parks, but a diverse number of attractions that cater for all age groups, genders and nationalities. "The unique geographical positioning of Dubai, as well as the massive expansion of its carrier Emirates airline, makes this vibrant city easily accessible for more than two billion people within a mere four-hour flight from Dubai," he said.

Additionally, he said, Dubai boasts an excellent infrastructure, offering superior amenities, including some of the world's finest hotels, restaurants, as well as retail and leisure facilities.

In view of the credit crunch and the rise in construction materials' cost, would the project be derailed from its scheduled completion? Al Habbai seems sure everything will go according to plan, saying that the theme parks are going ahead as scheduled.

Universal Studios Dubailand is expected to be completed by December 10, 2010, FX1 Motor City, by October 2009, and City of Arabia theme park should open in October 2010.

"As one of world's largest tourism, leisure and entertainment developments and a member of Tatweer, Dubailand supports its developments and projects to help them meet construction deadlines, in spite of the rising costs," Al Habbai said.