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Universal Studios in Pact to Develop Sesame Attractions

DUBAI - Universal Studios Dubailand on Monday announced the signing of an agreement with Sesame Workshop, producers of a popular children’s television series, to develop and build three themed entertainment venues at its theme park.

The alliance with Sesame, a non-profit educational organisation billed as the single largest informal educator of young children, “demonstrates our commitment to partner with the industry’s leading companies to bring worldclass family entertainment to the region,” a Universal Studios Dubailand said in a statement.

The alliance between the two global brands, according to property market analysts, also signified a vote of confidence in Dubai’s resilience.

A Dh8 billion joint venture by Tatweer Dubai and Universal Studios, Universal Studios Dubailand is designed as an integrated leisure, residential, family tourism and 
entertainment destination.

The first phase of the theme park is scheduled for completion by 2010, and is expected to attract more than three million tourists to Dubai.

Under the agreement, three Sesame Street attractions will be developed within the park’s Surf City area. Anchored by Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic, the development will feature Sesame Street characters Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Grover and Prairie Dawn.

“Presented in a multi-sensory state-of-the-art 400-seat theatre, fitted with cutting edge motion base technology, Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic will allow guests to not only see and hear this remarkable attraction, but also simultaneously be immersed in the feelings and smells of the action right from their own seats,” the statement said.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Tatweer Dubai, said the alliance with Sesame Workshop reinforced Tatweer’s dedication to introducing renowned brands to Dubai.

“Universal Studios theme parks are committed to presenting attractions that break new ground in live entertainment and to working with the most creative minds in our industry,” Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said.

Gary E. Knell, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop, said to partner with Universal Studios Dubailand to create a new home for Big Bird and all his friends.

issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com