Oryx Holdings signs with Six Flags to build branded theme park in Qatar

Dubai :Oryx Holdings, a Qatar-based diversified group, and Six Flags, Inc, one of the largest, most widely recognised theme park operators in the world, recently signed an agreement to develop a Six Flags branded location within Qatar Entertainment City (QEC), the mixed-use development in Lusail, Qatar, by mid-year 2012.

Under the binding agreement, Six Flags will provide concept development and planning services to Oryx Holdings for the creation of a 50,000 square metre Six Flags branded location within QEC. Once this initial phase is fin-alised, Six Flags and Oryx Holdings will collaborate on the detailed design, development, construction and management of the branded location.

"Six Flags brings 47 years of theme park industry experience and a world renowned entertainment brand to create a best in class tourist destination within QEC," said Assam Shaikh, vice-chairman and managing director of Oryx Holdings.

"The partnership will help further establish and push Qatar's initiatives for family tourism, attracting investments as well as keeping in-line with its growing economy. For the implementation, Qatari resources will be sought in all elements of the project as and when available," he added.

Mark Shapiro, president and chief executive of Six Flags, said, "Extending the Six Flags footprint beyond Dubai represents another strategic step in our international expansion and further solidifies our reputation as a worldwide leader in family entertainment. We are thrilled to be on the ground floor of what will surely be a treasured destination."

Holistic destination

Fawaz Ali Al Jowdar, deputy chief executive of Abu Dhabi Investment House, said, "Six Flags and Oryx Holdings complement ADIH's vision for this unique development and establishing Qatar as the next best tourist destination on a regional level.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Qatari authorities and all those responsible to help ADIH deliver on its promise in partnering with the most qualified experts and creating unique investment opportunities throughout."

Qatar Entertainment City is the first project being implemented under the Entertainment City concept - developed by Abu Dhabi Investment House. The project is a holistic, fully integrated family entertainment destination covering a total area of 1 million square metres of development and 180,000 square metres of international leisure, retail entertainment and restaurants situated with a waterfront location.

QEC has also recently announced its partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Group to develop QEC's Downtown Precinct to include a shopping mall, hotels as well as residential area.