Six Flags, one of the largest and most widely-recognised theme park operators in the world, has signed an agreement with Oryx Holdings, a Qatari-based diversified group,  to open a Six Flags branded location in Qatar.

The Six Flags branded location will open at Qatar Entertainment City (QEC) by mid-2012, said a QEC official.

Under the agreement, Six Flags will provide concept development and planning services to Oryx Holdings for the creation of a 50,000 sq/m Six Flags branded location within QEC.

The signing ceremony was attended by Oryx Holdings vice-chairman and managing director Assam Shaikh and Six Parks president and chief executive officer Mark Shapiro and QEC general manager Yousef Darwish.

Once this initial phase is finalised, Six Flags and Oryx Holdings will collaborate on the detailed design, development, construction and management of the branded location.

'Six Flags brings 47 years of theme park industry experience and a world renowned entertainment brand to create a best in class tourist destination within QEC,' said Shaikh.

'The partnership will help further establish and push Qatar's initiatives for family tourism, attracting investments as well as keeping in-line with its growing economy. For the implementation, Qatari resources will be sought in all elements of the project as and when available.'

Shapiro said extending the Six Flags footprint beyond Dubai represents another strategic step in its international expansion and further solidifies the reputation as a world-wide leader in family entertainment.

Abu Dhabi Investment House deputy chief executive officer Fawaz Ali Al Jowder said Six Flags and Oryx Holdings complement ADIH's vision for this unique development and establishing Qatar as the next best tourist destination on a regional level.

'I would like to thank the Qatari authorities and all those responsible to help ADIH deliver on its promise in partnering with the most qualified experts and creating unique investment opportunities throughout,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service