 |
 |
|
Construction Update May 05, 2009
Unfortunately, construction of Universal Studios Dubailand is currently not progressing. It appears construction came to a stop shortly after a huge number of employees were made redundant at the end of last year. A 15-minute walk through the desert starting from Dubai Outlet City Mall reveals that there are no cranes, no workers, no activity: the site looks pretty much the same as in the photos from 2008.
Universal Studios Dubailand is one of my favorite theme park projects and its setting in the middle of the vast, pure desert (the area surrounding the site really is an absolute no-man’s-land) makes it so unique.
I believe if anything in Dubailand will see the light of day, then it will be this one. Universal Studios is a matter of prestige for Dubai. UAE-based newspaper Gulfnews reported in January that the opening of the theme park had been delayed from 2010 to 2012. I will divert my eyes elsewhere for now and wish the parties in charge success in getting this project underway again.
Universal Studios Dubailand gate. Security has gone.
Universal Studios Dubailand logo
Camel on the deserted access road
More camels
In the middle of the barren desert:
The Universal Studios Dubailand construction fence
A little signboard on the fence
Universal City Dubailand, KEEP OUT!
Universal City logo
Keeping out
Universal Studios Dubailand construction sign
Look over the fence: you can see the circular sand wall...
...with a tiny bit of abandoned greenery
Universal Studios Dubailand construction site gate
Abandoned Universal Studios Dubailand gate
Work came to a halt
Universal Studios Dubailand site office gate
This man lives on-site, more or less
Construction Update October 25, 2008
I was really excited when I accidentally found an Universal Studios gate on Al Ain road on my way to Dubai Outlet City Mall in January 2008. The gate serves as the entrance to the site’s office and there is construction going on behind it. Something is happening in Dubailand!
Universal Studios Dubailand will feature, among others, a 'Ghostbusters' dark ride, a 'King Kong' coaster, a 'Jurassic Park' river rapids ride and a 'Revenge of the Mummy' roller coaster. Announced in spring 2007, this park is scheduled to open its doors in December 2010. Have a look at the collection of photos showing a physical model, the office grounds and aerial pictures of the construction site, the latter taken in July 2008:
The Universal Studios Dubailand site office gate is ready
Universal Studios Dubailand gate
Universal Studios Dubailand
Universal Studios Dubailand site office
Universal Studios Dubailand billboard on Emirates Road
Universal Studios Dubailand billboard
Universal Studios Dubailand model
The Dubailand sales center exhibits it
King Kong roller coaster model
Jurassic Park building model
Model of the Jurassic Park river rapids ride
Model of the Waterworld stunt show stadium
Jurassic Park and Waterworld sections of the park
Not sure which land this model part represents
American-themed section of the park
Model of the Universal Studios Dubailand lake
Universal Studios Dubailand model, different angle
Complete Universal Studios Dubailand model
Construction Update September 26, 2008
Universal Studios gate under construction
It's already the second gate (the first being the office entrance)
Crane on location (you can see the Universal sand wall in the background)
On-site gate
Keep out!
Universal Studios Dubailand brochure
Universal Studios Dubailand artwork
Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure
King Kong roller coaster
Proposed Universal Studios Dubailand entrance
Universal Studios Dubailand site office works
This man lives right behind the Universal Studios Dubai gate
Construction Update July 19, 2008
Construction is underway. Have a look at the helicopter photos taken in July 2008:
Universal Studios Dubailand aerial view
Universal Studios Dubailand site office on Al Ain street
Closer look at the site office
Universal Studios Dubailand mini gate
Dwellings in between the site office and the actual construction site
Approaching the Universal Studios Dubailand site
The hole in the middle of the circular sand wall...
...will become the future Universal Studios centerpiece lake
Universal Studios Dubailand lake in the making
One single crane is on-site
Universal Studios Dubailand desert site
Construction commenced
Construction Update January 27, 2008
Universal Studios Dubailand, turn right
Universal Studios Dubai site office under construction
Final touches
Universal Studios Dubailand site office lobby
Flat, barren desert behind
Workers at the Universal Studios Dubai site office
|
|