In 10 years, all operations of Dubai International Airport will be transferred to Al Maktoum International
But Bollywood Parks Dubai isn't merely a celebration of Mumbai's legendary film industry - it's a magnet for Dubai that has the potential to attract a global fan base of more than one billion and generate a strong revenue stream for the emirate.
The theme park aims to boost tourism, create strong employment offerings, develop local infrastructure and raise the profile of the UAE as a family destination, says its top official.
Thomas Jellum, general manager, Bollywood Parks Dubai, said the park, covering 1.7 million square feet, is expected to generate 6.7 million ticketed visits in 2017, the first full year of operation.
"With the launch of Legoland and Riverland within Dubai Parks and Resorts, we have already seen a great influx of interest from all around the world. With key highlights like the first Bollywood-inspired theme park and the region's first Bollywood style Broadway musical, I hope to see a huge queue outside our ticketing centre," Jellum told Khaleej Times.
Catchment area
Jellum said the UAE today accounts for 90 per cent of the leisure tourism in the Middle East. With a huge potential to benefit the economy, he said it also holds the interest of those millions of people who have to fly out from the region every year to enjoy some theme park fun with their family.
"The park has a global fan base of over one billion people, with a large proportion of these fans based a short flight from Dubai in the Asian subcontinent or the GCC, I expect Dubai airports to be full for a while," he said.
Referring to the latest PwC report, he said the leisure and entertainment market potential in the UAE could double to 45 million visitors by 2021, with 18 million theme park visits, due to the region's investment in infrastructure, hotel rooms and leisure destinations.
"We believe the theme park industry has great potential for growth in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent and that there is a large untapped market for family leisure and entertainment destinations.
"New to the concept of a world-class theme park destination, the region will introduce family-friendly entertainment for all Bollywood fans that is easily accessible from any part of the world," he said.
"With a grand entertainment set-up like ours, I know they will have plenty to do and enjoy with their family and friends."
"With incomes still healthy, and a large youth population that are looking for new ways to spend their time, our mix of rides and entertainment are the perfect choice. Add to that, the mix of the millions of tourists arriving every year that wait for something new to spend their weekend getaways or long holidays on."
No 'destination' theme park
Despite a proven appetite for mega leisure projects - Dubai has two of the world's top 15 water parks globally - until now, there has been no 'destination' theme park to capitalise on the vast market that exists within a very accessible catchment area. In fact, he said there are no world-class theme parks within a seven-hour flight time of Dubai, which provides Dubai Parks and Resorts with the ideal opportunity to tap into a significant-sized market that does not have access to a theme park development of this type.
"Dubai Parks and Resorts is set to capture the significant growth opportunity presented and fill this market gap. We are also strategically located close to large resident populations, international airports, local travel infrastructure and high-traffic landmarks," he said.
Jellum said Bollywood Parks Dubai will offer some amazing rides and attractions, many are exclusive in the region and some are world firsts. Bollywood Parks Dubai is also the first and only theme park anywhere in the world based on the sights and sounds of all things Bollywood.
"We expect approximately 20,000 visitors spread throughout all parks and attractions each day, and are projecting 6.7 million ticketed visits for 2017 at Dubai Parks and Resorts."
- muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com
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