Fans of "The Hunger Games" will likely be traveling to Dubai in droves next October for the opening of a theme park attraction based on the blockbuster film adaption of the popular book series. Lionsgate last week announced the partnership with Dubai Parks and Resorts to bring the global franchise to the new Motiongate Hollywood-themed park currently under construction in the emirate.
Details about what will actually be included in the "Hunger Games" section of the park are still not clear, leaving a lot of questions to be answered. Will Dubai start hosting an annual competition requiring each emirate to send one young male and one young female tribute to fight in a televised arena? Will other Gulf nations be required to send tributes as well? (OK, we're joking.)
What we do know is that the "Step Up" film franchise will also be part of Lionsgate's contribution to the new Motiongate development. A live stage show based on "Step Up: All In" and "Step Up: Revolution" will be the main attraction and personally, we're hoping for some re-vamped Dance Dance Revolution gaming stations as well.
As for the " Hunger Games " section? Details are sketchy but according to the press release it "will feature state-of-the-art theme park attractions and a retail facility." Can we hope for virtual arrow shooting just like the training area in the film?
Motiongate will offer 4 million square feet of attractions and is anticipated to draw some 3 million visitors annually after opening next year. The theme park will reportedly include 27 different cutting-edge rides and attractions.
"We're proud to partner with the team at Dubai Parks and Resorts to create a thrilling total entertainment experience designed to attract millions of new fans and continue the global expansion of our brands," said Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer .
Dubai Parks and Resort also expressed pride over the announced partnership.
"We are thrilled to be working with a Hollywood studio whose creative resources, spirit of innovation and vision of the entertainment experience are so closely aligned with our own. Lionsgate's 'Hunger Games,' 'Step Up' and other signature properties are the perfect centerpiece for one of the most visionary new theme parks in the world," said Dubai Parks and Resorts CEO Raed Al Nuaimi.
Upon completion, Dubai Parks and Resorts will be the region's largest "multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination." In addition to Motiongate, the development will also include LEGOLAND Dubai and Bollywood Parks. A dining and retail area called Riverpark will connect the three theme parks as well as a four-star hotel managed by Marriott Group.
With the development of Ras al-Khaimah underway and threatening to compete with Miami, Florida, for partygoers, it looks like the United Arab Emirates is also ready to take on Orlando, Florida's theme park empire. Watch-out Disney and Universal!