Dubailand – World’s biggest entertainment complex
The Emirate of Dubai has always been known for ambitious projects. One of them is Dubailand. This is the world’s biggest entertainment complex. This enormous undertaking is now suffering of the crisis and financial problems that the Emirate has to face.
Dubailand is an entertainment complex. To recent day it is far from completion but some of the attractions are already opened. In its final stage, it is supposed to cover an area of 278 km². This collection of theme parks will be twice the size of Disneyland in Orlando, Florida.
Cancelled projects
Dubailand is located on the road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This complex will combine several theme parks, sports arenas, shopping centers and hotels. A project of true aspiration. The original plans have already been altered, some projects have even been cancelled. Some international investors dropped out due to shortage after the financial crisis.
15 million tourists a year
Once a great vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, it is now rescheduled for 2018. And that is only one of four stages of building. This already is supposed to attract 15 million tourists a year.
“Motor City Dubailand” was opened in 2009 and includes residential units, business towers, motor-sports facilities, retail and a theme park. It was the first attraction to open in Dubailand. The track is designed to host a Formula 1 race there. The most spectacular rides of the theme park surround the race track. A scenario hard to compete with for other parks around the world.
Competitor Abu Dhabi
Competition can be found on Dubais doorstep within the country. Abu Dhabi already hosts a Formula 1 race and has plans for its own theme park around their race track. A theme park even bigger than the one in “Motor City Dubailand”. The Emirates Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be competing for attention. These projects around the topic of racing are only a small part of the whole complex of Dubailand.
A further project is the Dubailand Film Park. A project hosted by the Universal Studios. Six Flags will be another theme park in the program of Dubailand. Other attractions are Legoland, Dreamworks Studios, Aviation World, Water Parks, Factory Outlets, Animal World, Extreme Sports World and a Virtual Game World.