Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, announced today a strategic alliance with US-based Six Flags Inc., the world's largest theme park company, to develop thrill-driven theme parks across the Arab world and beyond.

The highlight of the strategic alliance will be the development of Six Flags DUBAILAND, a five million square feet multi-billion dirham theme park within the world’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.

The first Six Flags project to be developed outside of North America, the theme park comes as part of Tatweer’s tactical contribution to Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, which aims to develop the emirate into a leading global hub for tourism and leisure, said a statement.

Featuring its signature line-up of thrill and themed adventure rides and attractions, Six Flags DUBAILAND will boast world renowned entertainment franchises such as the children's musical group Wiggles and professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. The park’s unique components will complement Six Flags’ award-winning productions and original programming, such as Operation Spygirl, the 'Big E' Entertainment Award recipient at the 2007 IAPAA Trade Show and Convention, it said.

Tatweer and Six Flags DUBAILAND also will work together to integrate their expertise to create new concepts across the region, such as Six Flags theme parks, branded restaurants, hotels and retail outlets that will holistically offer unique travel and vacation opportunities for tourists, families and visitors worldwide.

For the theme park project, Six Flags will conceptualise and oversee the master plan based on its history in that arena, which includes the development, ownership and management of 21 parks across North America.  Groundbreaking is expected in 2009.  Additionally, the Six Flags corporate alliance division will represent Dubailand for international corporate sponsorship opportunities, it said.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, executive chairman of Tatweer, said: "The addition of Six Flags, one of the world’s most reputed leisure and entertainment companies, to our burgeoning portfolio complements DUBAILAND’s value proposition as an unrivalled tourism destination. It is a privilege for Tatweer to be selected by Six Flags as its regional partner and DUBAILAND as the destination to host the first Six Flags theme park outside of North America.”

Six Flags DUBAILAND will join the elite repertoire of Tatweer-owned world class projects at DUBAILAND destination such as BAWADI, The Tiger Woods Dubai, Universal Studios DUBAILAND, DreamWorks Animation Park, Hit Entertainment and Global Village.

Al Muntafiq added: “The new alliance with yet another global leisure and entertainment leader such as Six Flags consolidates Tatweer’s commitment to becoming a leading global tourism, leisure and entertainment investor, and a key contributor to the tourism objectives of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.”

Mark Shapiro, president and CEO of Six Flags, said: "This is a historic day for our company. Expanding Six Flags beyond our current North American borders validates the growing strength and momentum of our brand. Through this partnership with Tatweer, we now have the opportunity to create a world-class theme park destination that will allow guests from around the globe to experience Six Flags' unique combination of thrills and entertainment."  -TradeArabia News Service