NEWS
Dubai's theme park sector continues to heat up with 2018 addition of 20th Century Fox World
POSTED 05 Nov 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The deal allows for a roll-out of up to three additional Fox-branded resorts in territories outside Dubai Credit: Twentieth Century Fox
Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG) and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products have announced a licensing partnership to develop the first Twentieth Century Fox theme park and resort in Dubai.

With current plans stalling on a similar development in Malaysia due to budgetary constraints, the new deal allows for a roll-out of up to three additional Fox-branded resorts in UAE territories outside of Dubai.

Planned to open in 2018, global design and theming company Rethink Leisure & Entertainment are working on the project, with the team promising a “a fully immersive world where some of our favorite movies can exist and thrive.”

The theme park will incorporate some of Fox’s most well known IPs, including Ice Age, Rio, Planet of the Apes, The Simpsons and more, with a broad attraction mix including dark rides and thrill rides telling stories based on Fox brands. In addition to rides, AAHG says that the park will include the world’s first Fox hotel and a theme retail street with shopping and dining experiences based on Fox IPs.

“20th Century Fox World, Dubai is the second Fox theme park destination and marks an important step forward in our global theme park strategy,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products.

“Fox World will be a world-class destination that will help fuel Dubai’s emergence as a global tourism destination and this park builds on the foundation being laid by 20th Century Fox World, Malaysia.”

As it aims to reach its target of 20 million visitors annually by the 2020 Expo, Dubai is currently a hotbed for theme park and resort development. In addition to Fox World, Three theme parks are under development as part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, while IMG Worlds of Adventure is set to open in the new year and Ferrari World is working on big expansion plans.
Plans also show dedicated areas for Rio and Ice Age Credit: Twentieth Century Fox
A closer look t the plans shows a dedicated Springfield area representing The Simpsons IP Credit: Twentieth Century Fox
PROJECT PROFILE:

Fox World Dubai
Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG) and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products have announced a licensing partnership to develop the first Twentieth Century Fox theme park and resort in Dubai.


RELATED STORIES
  Dubai Parks and Resorts teams with Orlando University to train Emirati students in theme park management


Dubai Parks and Resorts – the developer behind the AED10bn (US$2.7bn, €2.4bn, £1.8bn) theme park mega resort under construction in the UAE – is planning to send a group of Emirati graduates to Orlando, Florida, to learn more about the theme park industry.
  Dubai's theme park sector to be worth US$5bn a year by 2020, says DEAL chair


Dubai’s theme parks will generate US$5bn (€4.5bn, £3.1bn) annually by 2020, according to the organisers of the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) show.
  IMG Worlds of Adventure masterplanner Falcon's Creative unveils Avengers ride


Design firm Falcon’s Creative Group have revealed new details about the Avengers ride coming to IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park in Dubai, with stereoscopic 3D media to combine with an elaborate physical environment and special effects to bring the Marvel Universe to life.
  Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World set for major expansion


Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi has announced plans to open a further seven rides over the next three years in an effort to boost attendance and capacity at the theme park by 40 per cent.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Dubai's theme park sector continues to heat up with 2018 addition of 20th Century Fox World...
07 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

05 Nov 2015

Dubai's theme park sector continues to heat up with 2018 addition of 20th Century Fox World
BY Tom Anstey

The deal allows for a roll-out of up to three additional Fox-branded resorts in territories outside Dubai

The deal allows for a roll-out of up to three additional Fox-branded resorts in territories outside Dubai
photo: Twentieth Century Fox

Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG) and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products have announced a licensing partnership to develop the first Twentieth Century Fox theme park and resort in Dubai.

With current plans stalling on a similar development in Malaysia due to budgetary constraints, the new deal allows for a roll-out of up to three additional Fox-branded resorts in UAE territories outside of Dubai.

Planned to open in 2018, global design and theming company Rethink Leisure & Entertainment are working on the project, with the team promising a “a fully immersive world where some of our favorite movies can exist and thrive.”

The theme park will incorporate some of Fox’s most well known IPs, including Ice Age, Rio, Planet of the Apes, The Simpsons and more, with a broad attraction mix including dark rides and thrill rides telling stories based on Fox brands. In addition to rides, AAHG says that the park will include the world’s first Fox hotel and a theme retail street with shopping and dining experiences based on Fox IPs.

“20th Century Fox World, Dubai is the second Fox theme park destination and marks an important step forward in our global theme park strategy,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products.

“Fox World will be a world-class destination that will help fuel Dubai’s emergence as a global tourism destination and this park builds on the foundation being laid by 20th Century Fox World, Malaysia.”

As it aims to reach its target of 20 million visitors annually by the 2020 Expo, Dubai is currently a hotbed for theme park and resort development. In addition to Fox World, Three theme parks are under development as part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, while IMG Worlds of Adventure is set to open in the new year and Ferrari World is working on big expansion plans.



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre   07 Jun 2026

Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and .... more>>

Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal
Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal   05 Jun 2026

Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal .... more>>

Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi   05 Jun 2026

Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, .... more>>

Company profile


QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwide.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd