Busch plans theme parks in Dubai

[JonathanBelles]

By JIM SALTER

ST. LOUIS

The entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. plans to expand outside the U.S. for the first time by opening four theme parks in Dubai, the fast-growing tourist destination in the Middle East.

Busch Entertainment Corp. will partner with Dubai developer Nakheel to create the Worlds of Discovery -- a complex that will include SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove.

All four will be on the Palm Jebel Ali, the world's largest man-made island that is part of a multi-billion-dollar development in Dubai.

Nakheel will build the parks. Busch Entertainment is licensing its brands to Nakheel and will operate the parks under a management contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Dubai has become one of the world's leading tourist destinations, and a key part of the strategy has been attracting world-class entertainment brands to the emirate," Chris O'Donnell, chief executive of Nakheel, said during a Webcast from a ceremony at SeaWorld Orlando in Florida.

The first phase of the project is expected to open in 2012.

The project is part of the Dubai Waterfront, a multi-billion-dollar development of luxury hotels and homes, along with restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Larger than the island of Manhattan, the development is adding 500 miles of man-made waterfront, according to Nakheel.

Dubai, one of the seven constituents of the United Arab Emirates, has thrived and turned into a magnet for the wealthy as oil money has flowed in. O'Donnell said 7 million visitors are expected in Dubai this year. Fifteen million are expected in 2012.

Palm Jebel Ali is the second of Nakheel's three man-made island developments. Worlds of Discovery will occupy a section at the peak of the island known as "the Crown."

Jim Atchison, president of Busch Entertainment, said Dubai offers "a true global stage for our brands, unlike any other."

He compared the rapid growth in Dubai to what happened four decades ago in Orlando, which quickly grew into one of America's premiere tourist destinations.

"When I look at Dubai it looks awfully familiar," he said.

"It's a momentous occasion for us. It's the most significant news we've ever had."

SeaWorld Dubai will include many of the same attractions as in its three U.S. locations -- killer whales, dolphins and sea lions, along with marine-themed rides.

The Discovery Cove in Dubai will be similar to the one in Orlando, a reservations-only park that allows visitors to interact closely with wildlife -- for example, swimming with bottlenose dolphins, rays and exotic fish.

Busch Gardens is a theme park featuring rides, attractions and entertainment. Aquatica is SeaWorld's waterpark. The first one opened this week in Orlando.

Anheuser-Busch is the nation's largest brewer, based in St. Louis. Its brands include Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob. Busch Entertainment operates SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Va., and Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, Fla.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia; Aquatica in Orlando; and the water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg.

Anheuser-Busch shares rose 67 cents to $48.18 in midday trading Thursday.
___________________________________________________________________________
I'm sorry, but this has got to be one of the most stupid things I have seen come from Busch. I agree they can make a third park, but in Dubai!!! That place has got to come down some day. Its in the middle east, its americanized, and there are other parks aka a perfect terrorist target. Busch Gardens will be moving onto an island that would be VERY easily blown to smitherines. ( http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5554 ... alevr1.jpg and http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2158 ... alede8.jpg ). I believe Universal also has plans to move to Dubai, if it isnt already. All in All, I think they are wasting money. I don't think the Dubai parks can bring enough people in like Hollywood and Orlando can.

[Tampa_God]

I see what you mean, but I gotta say, this is a good decision by Busch. Even though I would like them to even add more at the Busch Gardens in Tampa, this is a good strategy. Busch Gardens for one gives something no other theme park gives, animal interaction. Than you got Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica, that reminds me that I need to there this Summer!

[Cyclenall]

I'm sorry, but this has got to be one of the most stupid things I have seen come from Busch. I agree they can make a third park, but in Dubai!!! That place has got to come down some day. Its in the middle east, its americanized, and there are other parks aka a perfect terrorist target. Busch Gardens will be moving onto an island that would be VERY easily blown to smitherines. ( http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5554 ... alevr1.jpg and http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2158 ... alede8.jpg ). I believe Universal also has plans to move to Dubai, if it isnt already. All in All, I think they are wasting money. I don't think the Dubai parks can bring enough people in like Hollywood and Orlando can.

I wondered about Dubai and the threat of terrorism myself. So far, it seems calm and everything is going very well in Dubai. It's a very intresting place. Busch putting a park there doesn't seem too odd.

[Tampa_God]

And fact, to compare size, this Busch Gardens is around 130 acres or something, the one in Tampa is over 300 acres. Imagine them squeezing everything we get to see at Busch Gardens Africa in that size of a park.

[gtalum]

The world goes on. You can't live your life (nor plan a business) in fear of terrorism. if you do, they win. To compare Dubai with nations harboring terrorism is a bit silly, anyway.

[MiamiensisWx]

Dubai is very corrupt, too...

[Ptarmigan]

Dubai really sprang up in a few years out of nowhere. Kinda reminds me of Hong Kong or Coruscant.

[Chacor]

Dubai is very corrupt, too...

Do you have any sources for that?