HIT and Dubailand Strike Strategic Alliance

Dubailand, a member of Tatweer, has formed a strategic alliance with UK-based HIT Entertainment to develop a portfolio of family entertainment projects at Global Village in Dubailand, the tourism, leisure, and entertainment destination.

Highlight of the alliance will be the creation of the world’s first HIT Entertainment “Little Big Club” in Dubai—a 25,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor project designed around the characters Barney, Pingu, Bob the Builder, and Thomas & Friends with themed rides and indoor and outdoor play-centers. The Little Big Club, set to open its doors in the last quarter of 2008, will also feature party and educational function spaces and a theatre that will present mini live shows as well as screening television.

Bruce Steinberg, chief executive of HIT Entertainment, says, “This project represents an important strategic direction for the company and ushers in a new era for our live events and attractions business.”

Dubailand and HIT Entertainment will also work together to develop new concepts, including live shows, themed restaurants, and retail outlets that will be open year-round at Global Village.

UK-based theme park designers RMA will design the park layout, rides, and project-manage all architectural, scenic, and technical aspects of the club. Its portfolio includes Cadbury’s Story, the Jorvik in York, Drusilla’s Park in East Sussex, and the new Thomas Land in the UK, set to open at Drayton Manor Park in March.