Dubai Parks and Resorts in Bollywood shows project with Wizcraft

The Rajmahal Theatre will feature daily live performances similar to Wizcraft’s Kingdom of Dreams in Delhi.

Renderings of the Bollywood Parks theme park in Dubai. The project is scheduled to open in October of 2016. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts
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Dubai Parks and Resorts has signed a deal with Mumbai-based Wizcraft International Entertainment to create a show for the upcoming Bollywood Parks – one of three theme parks that will open in Jebel Ali in 2016.

No financial details were provided, but the Dubai Parks and Resorts chief executive Raed Al Nuaimi said this month that the company would sign about Dh2.5 billion in projects this year.

The shows will be held in the Broadway-style Rajmahal Theatre coming up within the theme park. The 60,000 square foot stage will feature VIP boxes and exclusive lounges.

The Rajmahal Theatre will feature daily live performances similar to Wizcraft’s Kingdom of Dreams in Delhi.

The company said it would source local talent as well as Bollywood celebrities to perform in the shows.

The Wizcraft director Viraf Sarkari said the company was looking forward to the creation of the “largest Bollywood musical ever produced”.

Wizcraft will also plan galas and film premières.

The Bollywood area will be a “celebration of Mumbai’s famous film industry”, according to the Dubai Parks and Resorts website.

Similar to Disney World’s It’s a Small World area, Bollywood will have an Indian theme featuring classic Mumbai cinematic rides, retail outlets stocked with items from India and native cuisine.

“We are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for our guests, and we have partnered with the most creative minds in the industry,” Mr Al Nuaimi said.

Major contracts have been signed with big-name companies for the other parks.

The European attractions operator Merlin Entertainments signed on to operate Legoland, and DreamWorks Animation will help to introduce the Hollywood-themed Motiongate.

In addition to the theme parks, Lapita, a Polynesian-themed family resort, will also open, helping the overall concept to attract an estimated 6.7 million visitors during its first operational year in 2017.

Shares of Dubai Parks and Resorts yesterday fell 2.57 per cent to Dh0.834 along with the broader decline on the Dubai bourse.

lgraves@thenational.ae

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