Six Flags, the US-based amusement park chain, has filed for bankruptcy protection.
In March 2008 it signed an agreement with Tatweer to develop an amusement park in Dubailand.
Tatweer, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, says the theme park at Dubailand will not be affected by the development.
Note: Dubai Online is currently offering discounts of 10-15% on Seawings flights. To obtain the discount you must complete the booking form on this page. You will then be contacted by a member of the Seawings team.
Dubai based Seawings LLC, the only seaplane tour operator in the Middle East, has announced that due to growing demand, they will now start flights to and from the Emirate of Fujairah on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Located on the Indian Ocean at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, the Emirate of Fujairah is known for its phenomenal wreck dives, plentiful coral reefs and abundant marine life.
The forty five minute ‘dock to dock’ flight provides views of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks including the Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Burj Al Arab, Historic Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City, The Hajar Mountains, Dibba Coast and historic Fujairah before landing on the East coast of the UAE.
Seawings passengers get to enjoy the beautiful coral reefs, majestic mountains and brilliant beaches in a fraction of the time and in a way that many people would never experience.
Stuart Wheeler, CEO of Seawings said, ‘Considering the enormous potential in the east coast and with the tremendous growth in the tourism, we have been working hard to ensure that Seawings is conveniently located and offers customers a range of benefits within our product offering. By opening this new location, we look forward to catering to the demands of a larger segment of individuals and groups. Our passengers can explore the marvels and history of the UAE in a unique and convenient way without wasting time and energy on road travel. We will keep on offering new services and adding new tour options based on the customer requirements.’
Seawings - flights from Fujairah
The Dubai Aquarium, at the Dubai Mall, is now offering visitors the chance to dive with its sharks and other aquatic animals.
From May 9 divers can come face-to-face with resident sharks, stingrays, giant groupers and over 33,000 other creatures in one of the world’s largest aquariums.
3 dives are offered each day in conjunction with Al Boom Diving, one of the leading dive centres in Dubai.
Certified divers can take part immediately. Others must take a short course with Al Boom Diving.
Mr Arif Amiri, Senior Director, Emaar Properties PJSC, said, ‘Visitors to Dubai Aquarium have been fascinated by the sight of our staff divers, who dive underwater to feed our sharks and fishes every day. Now, with the launch of Shark Dives, we are offering the opportunity for all to have an incredible diving experience in an aquarium environment. Apart from having trained staff members from Al Boom Diving to assist the public, Shark Diving is being undertaken to the highest safety standards. All appropriate training and equipment are provided and this opportunity is available to certified and non-certified divers as well.’
Advance bookings are required and can be made by calling 04-342-2993.
The Architects’ Journal (AJ) reports that the Dubai Opera House at The Lagoons is set to be cancelled.
The Dubai Opera House was to be the cultural centrepiece of the Sama Dubai development and the first opera house in the United Arab Emirates.
Architect Zaha Hadid issued a statement to the AJ stating ‘As with almost every new development in Dubai, the project is under review.’
Sharmilas Annual Dance show is a dancing extravaganza with a unique blend of dance styles, performed by over 160 talented UAE based performers of all ages and proficiencies. Happening on April 24th and 25th at The Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre at the Mall of the Emirates.
The entire show is choreographed by Sharmila Kamte and her Dance Academy in association with Skechers, official newspaper 7 Days, Meeting Dance & Leisure Wear, Clean & Clear and Lighthouse Productions along with the official venue Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre and Startime. This year’s show includes retentions of latino, soul, indian and hip hop styles among the 23 dances being performed. Audiences will also have the opportunity to enjoy performances from Sharmila Kamte and her ensemble as well as Piso Caliente the latino dance specialists.
Sharmilas Annual Show has been performed in Dubai for the past nine years, previously showing at the Jumeirah Beach Club. 2007 saw the show move to the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Center at Mall of the Emirates. The Centre is the first modern, non-profit, cross-community creative centre in the Gulf, built to international specifications.
Sharmilas Annual Jazz Show will be opening on Friday 24th April with a matinee performance at 2:30pm for specially invited guests with an evening performance at 7pm commencing the public performances, on Saturday 25th April at 2.30pm and 7pm.
Tickets are on sale now from the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre at Mall of the Emirates. Ticket prices are 85 AED for adults and 70 AED for under 18’s.
The Dubai Mall has announced that its children’s educational amusement park will open in the third quarter of 2009.
Kidzania will be a child-sized replica of a retail city where children can play adult roles such as doctors, teachers, fire fighters, bankers, police officers, hairdressers and a multitude of other occupations.
It will include buildings such as a hospital, supermarket, beauty salon, and restaurants.
Children will be able to visit the buildings or choose to work in them, wearing an appropriate uniform.
The first Kidzania opened in 1999 at the Santa Fe Shopping Mall in Mexico City. Others are found in Tokyo and Jakarta.
Here’s a video showing a group of disabled children and their helpers visiting the Mexican park.
Building work on one of Dubai’s major theme parks has been suspended due to the lack of funding in the current economic climate.
Union Properties have announced that work on the Formula One (F1) theme park at MotorCity in Dubailand has been suspended.
They claim the project will now open in 2010, provided a financial backer can be found.
Construction work commenced 3 years ago and is more than 50 percent complete.
Over 200 new stores have opened at the Dubai Mall in recent months, increasing the total number of shops at the shopping mall by 30 percent since it opened in late 2008.
New stores include:
• Fashion – S*uce, Carolina Herrara, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Zadig & Zoltaire, M Missoni, Temperley and Agent Provocateur
• Beauty – Sephora, Franck Provost, Jo Malone, Penhaligon’s, Dermalogica, The Nail Spa and N Style
• Children’s – Mothercare, Premanan, Bubbles & Giggles and Mama’s & Papa’s
• Electronics – Bose, Jacky’s and Samsung
• Jewellery – Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Graff
• Restaurants – California Pizza Kitchen, Cacao Sampaka, Vapiano, Haagen-Dazs café, Morelli’s Gelato, FatBurger, Uno Chicago Grill, Ruby Tuesday, Roadster Diner and Cosi
Several new features are set to open in the coming months:
• Fashion Avenue – 70 haute couture fashion stores
• KidZania – an 80,000 square foot children’s educational/entertainment area
• SEGA Republic – indoor theme park
• Multiplex cinema
Universal Studios at Dubailand has announced that it will feature three Sesame Street-themed attractions.
The theme park has signed a deal with Sesame Workshop to build three attractions in its Surf City area.
The attractions will comprise:
• Sesame Street 4D Movie Magic – a multi-dimensional sensory experience featuring Sesame Street characters
• A Sesame Street carousel and live stage show
• Elmo’s Emporium – retail zone
Gary E. Knell, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop, said, ‘We are thrilled to partner with Universal Studios Dubailand to create a new home for Big Bird and all his friends. The park offers a remarkable opportunity to share all the laughter and learning of Sesame Street with the people of the UAE and visiting guests from around the world.’
A plan to develop 4 theme parks on Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali has been put on hold.
Nakheel and the Busch Entertainment Group have delayed the projects for at least one year.
Nakheel recently announced delays on several other major projects, notably the Trump Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah and the Nakheel Harbour and Tower.