DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: A massive complex of amusement parks planned in the southern desert of Dubai has opened its first park, a Legoland, complete with models of the country’s architectural wonders.
The interlocking plastic blocks of Legoland, part of the larger Dubai Parks & Resorts project, represent the first brick in Dubai’s southern expansion.
The city-state hopes to develop the desert on the road to Abu Dhabi ahead of hosting the 2020 World Expo, or world’s fair.
Dubai already has plans to one day handle over 200 million passengers a year at the nearby Al-Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.
At the park’s opening on Monday, its general manager Siegfried Boerst told The Associated Press that more is coming to the area.
He says: “It’s not that we’re in the desert anymore.”
Raed Kajoor Al-Nuaimi, CEO of DXB Entertainments PJSC, the owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts said: “I’m immensely proud that today we start to welcome guests to experience amazing things at this incredible new destination. As the largest entertainment destination in the region, Dubai Parks and Resorts will support the UAE’s tourism vision and grow the family leisure industry in the region.”
Legoland Dubai features over 40 interactive rides, shows, attractions, building experiences and 15,000 LEGO model structures made from over 60 million LEGO bricks. It is designed to provide a full day’s interactive, theme park experience.
Legoland features six themed lands, each unique in their experience, entertainment and educational offering, including:
• Lego City, where children can indulge in a range of playful learning opportunities.
• Kingdoms, where knights and princesses can explore a medieval land and conquer the exhilarating Dragon Coaster.
• Imagination, the perfect area for every LEGO fan to enjoy, spending hours playing, racing LEGO cars.
• Adventure, for young explorers seeking thrilling antics while enjoying a captivating Submarine Adventure, Wave Racers.
• Miniland, the heart of all Legoland Parks, is made up of over 20 million LEGO bricks featuring Dubai’s iconic skyline and key landmarks from around the Middle East and international destinations.
Legoland becomes first brick in Dubai’s southern expansion
Legoland becomes first brick in Dubai’s southern expansion
Egypt’s grand museum begins live restoration of King Khufu’s ancient boat
- The 4,600-year-old boat was built during the reign of King Khufu, the pharaoh who also commissioned the Great Pyramid of Giza
CAIRO: Egypt began a public live restoration of King Khufu’s ancient solar boat at the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday, more than 4,000 years after the vessel was first built.
Egyptian conservators used a small crane to carefully lift a fragile, decayed plank into the Solar Boats Museum hall — the first of 1,650 wooden pieces that make up the ceremonial boat of the Old Kingdom pharaoh.
The 4,600-year-old boat was built during the reign of King Khufu, the pharaoh who also commissioned the Great Pyramid of Giza. The vessel was discovered in 1954 in a sealed pit near the pyramids, but its excavation did not begin until 2011 due to the fragile condition of the wood.
“You are witnessing today one of the most important restoration projects in the 21st century,” Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said.
“It is important for the museum, and it is important for humanity and the history and the heritage.”
The restoration will take place in full view of visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum over the coming four years.
