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Longstanding plans for a Universal Studios theme park in Dubai have been officially scrapped, after the project’s main backers confirmed the plans have been abandoned.

News agency Zawaya has reported that the theme park’s two main backers – Dubai Holding and Universal Studios Theme Parks and Resorts – have both pulled out of the project, which first broke ground in 2008 and was originally scheduled for completion at the end of 2010.

The development stalled during the 2008 financial crisis and was pushed back to 2015.

A Universal spokesperson advised “while we are always open to opportunities in the region, we’ve stepped away from this specific project.”

Dubai Holding also confirmed it was “no longer in discussions with Universal Parks and Resorts concerning the development of a theme park in Dubai.”

While the Universal development has been shelved, the Middle East is currently experiencing a boom in theme park development.

IMG World’s of Adventure – the world’s largest indoor theme park - opened in August, Legoland Dubai is set to open this weekend while Dubai Parks and Resorts - recently renamed DXB Entertainments – is scheduled to start welcomgin guests from 15th November.

As part of DXB’s continued development, work has also started on a Six Flags property, which will be the fourth park under the company banner, in addition to Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks.

Miral recently broke ground on a new Warner Bros. theme park on Yas Island, set to debut in 2018, while local developer Al Ahli Holding Group is also working on the first Fox-branded theme park in the region, with the attraction is set to open in 2020. 

4th October 2016 - DUBAI PARKS LAUNCHES NEW NAME, ANNOUNCES ATTRACTIONS OPENING DATES

6th September 2016 - WORLD’S LARGEST INDOOR THEME PARK OPENS IN DUBAI

27th May 2016 - ASIAN THEME PARKS LEAD GLOBAL ATTRACTIONS INDUSTRY GROWTH

13th February 2016 - DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS ON TRACK TO OPEN IN OCTOBER 2016

9th May 2014 - UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN TO BUILD NEW PARKS IN ASIA

27th May 2011 - DUBAILAND DEVELOPER LOOKS TO REVIVE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND LEGOLAND PROJECTS

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