DUBAI, UAE, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Mohammed Al Habbai, CEO of DUBAILAND(R), a member of Tatweer, and Laurent Jeanjean, Vice President of Universal Studios Dubailand(TM), a member of Tatweer, broke ground today for the seven million sq. ft. Universal Studios Dubailand(TM).

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080729/315353 )

Cheering them on were future inhabitants of three of the five Lands that will shape the AED 4.6 billion Universal Studios Dubailand(TM) theme park. Star spectators included Woody and Winnie Woodpecker from Surf City Boardwalk(TM), a menacing Raptor from Epic Adventures(TM), and two fierce Nubian Guards from the Land of Legendary Heroes(TM).

Hollywood, bustling with energy and bursting with glitz and glamour, and New York, bold and romantic as it appears in classic films, will comprise the remaining two Lands at Universal Studios Dubailand(TM).

Laurent Jean Jean, Vice President of Universal Studios Dubailand(TM), said: "We are proud to announce the ground breaking of Universal Studios Dubailand(TM), the premiere theme park in the Middle East and the star of DUBAILAND(R)."

When completed in December 2010, Universal Studios Dubailand(TM) will provide its guests from all over the globe with one-of-a-kind-in-the-world thrills when they Ride The Movies(TM).

They will discover music, dining, shopping, movies and more awaiting them just outside the theme park gates. And they will find enough electrifying memories to last a lifetime, just steps away from your luxuriously appointed rooms in one of the magnificently themed on-site hotels or comfortable residential communities of Universal City Dubailand(TM).

Universal Studios Dubailand(TM) will join the family of world-renowned theme parks in Hollywood, Florida, Japan and Singapore.

About Universal Studios Dubailand(TM):

RIDE THE MOVIES(TM) AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS DUBAILAND(TM) COMING TO DUBAILAND(R) IN 2010

Universal Studios(R), the leader in awe-inspiring entertainment for nearly a century, is creating a new tourism destination in Dubai, UAE, combining the creativity of Hollywood with the greatest stories of all time. Starting in 2010, every member of the family will enjoy an unforgettable holiday... a spectacular theme park, a variety of exciting entertainment, and world-class hospitality, all in one convenient location.

The holiday destination of the future is taking shape today in Dubai... Universal Studios Dubailand(TM). A member of TATWEER.

Ride The Movies, Universal Studios, Universal City and Universal Globe TM & (c) Universal Studios.

DUBAILAND (R) Tatweer Dubai LLC. All rights reserved. Stephanie Goodell Universal Studios Dubailand +971-4-433-1329 Stephanie.Goodell@tatweerdubai.com