DXB Entertainments has posted a loss of 81 million dirhams ($22 million) for the third quarter, and has announced a review of Six Flags Dubai.
The loss was an improvement on the loss the company reported in the third quarter of 2017.
Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s mega-theme park project, attracted almost 2 million visitors in the first 9 months of 2018.
This followed steady growth over the past three quarters. In Q3 2018, Dubai Parks and Resorts recorded over 501,000 visits. This compared favourably to 479,000 in the same period last year. August also saw an increase in visits as the parks benefited from the Eid holidays.
Mohamed Almulla, CEO and Managing Director, DXB Entertainments PJSC, said: “We set a target to focus on increasing footfall to Dubai Parks and Resorts and we have done so successfully through a series of marketing and sales strategies that have led to a 33% increase in our visits. Looking ahead, we are focused on increasing the international tourist visits as the key driver of future growth.
“Increasing in-park spend is an additional revenue driver which we are focused on through a review of merchandise and F&B options offered in the parks.”
Dubai Parks and Resorts is a 2.3 million sqm family entertainment destination comprising three theme parks – Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and Legoland Dubai – as well as the region’s first Legoland Water Park. The parks are linked by Riverland Dubai, a dining, entertainment and retail district featuring the Lapita Hotel. The first phase opened in 2016.
Six Flags Dubai review
Six Flags released initial plans in 2016 for a new theme park at Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Set to be the first all-out thrill park in the GCC, Six Flags Dubai promises record-breaking coasters, spectacular shows and a host of interactive attractions.
The strategic review of the project is currently being carried out and the results will be announced before the end of the year. It could have an impact on the 2019 opening date.
In a statement the company said, “management is currently conducting a strategic review of Dubai Parks and Resorts with Six Flags Dubai to determine scope, timeline and potential alternatives in light of existing customer demand. The full results will be presented to the board before the end of the year and may have an impact on the target opening date of Six Flags Dubai.”
