A $1 billion Warner Bros theme park and the world’s first Warner Bros branded hotel are to be created in Abu Dhabi.
The first phase of the Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi project is set to open in 2018 on Yas Island – the venue for this autumn’s Abta Travel Convention.
Construction is underway and rides are in production on a site alongside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the Emirati-themed water park, Yas Waterworld,
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi aims to help Yas Island raise annual visitor numbers from 25 million last year, to 30 million in 2018.
The attraction will feature DC Comics super heroes, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as Warner Bros cartoons such as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry.
Guests will be able to step inside Gotham City and Metropolis, and experience the cartoon worlds of Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera under one roof.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral, the asset management company responsible for the development and management of Yas Island, said: “It is incredibly exciting to announce that we are bringing the iconic Warner Bros brand to Yas Island.
“Miral’s investment in the Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi theme park is estimated at $1 billion and is a milestone in the emirate’s journey to put Abu Dhabi on the global map and become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.
“By meeting the global, regional and local demand for a world-class entertainment destination, supported by an equally world-class travel and tourism infrastructure, we are fulfilling our ambition to drive visitor numbers and enrich the UAE’s appeal as a truly international destination that appeals to both residents and travelling guests. Miral is central to this development with a number of significant and exciting projects in the pipeline.”
Warner Bros Entertainment chairman and chief executive, Kevin Tsujihara, added: “Warner Bros has been entertaining audiences for more than 90 years with the world’s most-loved characters and franchises.
“Working with our partners at Miral, we’ll bring this expertise to Yas Island, one of the world’s leading entertainment destinations, to create a fully-interactive, innovative and unique experience that will allow fans of all ages to experience the most exciting aspects of Warner Bros in a completely immersive environment.”
Miral chief executive, Mohamed Abdullah Al Zaabi, said: “Yas Island will continue looking to expand on its offerings through strategic partnerships with world-leading organisations.
“The Warner Bros themed destination will be a major step in maintaining Yas Island’s momentum and is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs for the emirate.”