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Dubai
, UAE - February 23, 2009:
Universal Studios Dubailand™, a member of Tatweer Dubai, today announced it signed a strategic agreement with Sesame Workshop, creators and producers of the award-winning global children’s television series Sesame Street™, to develop and build three unique Sesame Street-themed entertainment venues for the first Universal Studios® theme park in the Middle East.
The alliance demonstrates the commitment of Universal Studios Dubailand™ to partner with the industry’s leading companies to bring world-class family entertainment to the region.
At the centre of this partnership between the two unparalleled global brands will be three Sesame Street attractions within the Park’s whimsical Surf City™ area. Anchored by Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic™, a technologically advanced multi-dimensional sensory experience exploring the magic of movie making, the development will feature the much-loved Sesame Street characters Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Grover and Prairie Dawn.
Presented in a multi-sensory state-of-the-art 400-seat theatre, fitted with cutting edge motion base technology, Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic™ will allow guests to not only see and hear this remarkable attraction, but also simultaneously be immersed in the feelings and smells of the action right from their own seats. It’s a fourth dimension of fun that puts guests into the heart of the experience.
In announcing the partnership, Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Tatweer Dubai said: “Our alliance with Sesame Workshop reinforces Tatweer’s dedication to introducing internationally renowned brands to Dubai. Our collaboration with Universal Studios has allowed us to design and build an extraordinary family destination in the region. Our new partnership with Sesame Workshop will enable us to deliver incomparable family entertainment featuring the legendary Sesame Street experience. “
Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said: “Universal Studios theme parks are committed to presenting attractions that break new ground in live entertainment and to working with the most creative minds in our industry. The trio of new Sesame venues, including the anchor attraction Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic™, are examples of the tremendous rewards to be realized from working with a creative international powerhouse such as Sesame Workshop.”
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.”
Sesame Workshop has a proud history of serving the needs of children and their families since its flagship program Sesame Street, premiered in the US in 1969. The international adaptation of Sesame Street began in the early 1970’s and programming in the Middle East began in Kuwait in 1979, with Iftah Ya Simsim, the first Sesame Street co-production in Arabic. Since then, local versions of Sesame Street have been produced in Palestine, Jordan and Egypt, among two dozen other countries.
In addition to Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic™, a Sesame Street themed carousel and live stage show will immerse Park guests in Sesame Street’s unique brand of family friendly entertainment, while Elmo’s Emporium will offer a selection of Sesame Street merchandise.
Universal Studios Dubailand™, now under construction, promises visitors from around the globe an extraordinary opportunity to literally Ride The Movies™. The Park’s awe-inspiring rides and attractions will feature up-to-the-minute technology and leading edge special effects designed to transport visitors into the middle of their favorite blockbuster motion pictures.
Universal Studios Dubailand™ will join the family of world-renowned Universal Studios® Theme Park Resorts in Universal City, California; Orlando, Florida; Osaka, Japan; and Singapore (under construction).
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