A $1-billion Warner Bros theme park will open in 2018 at Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, one of the world’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destinations.

The theme park project will also include the world’s first Warner Bros branded hotel.

Construction is already under way and rides are in production, said Miral, a developer of destinations in Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros.

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi will bring together stories and characters from the studio's portfolio of DC Comics Super Heroes universe including Batman, Superman and Wonder Women as well as Warner Bros cartoons such as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry. Guests of all ages will be able to step inside Gotham City and Metropolis, and experience the cartoon worlds of Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera and more, all under one roof.

Located alongside the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and the iconic Emirati themed mega water park, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi will help Yas Island take its annual visitor tally from 25 million in 2015, to 30 million in 2018, a statement said.

Miral chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “It is incredibly exciting to announce that we are bringing the iconic Warner Bros brand to Yas Island. Miral’s investment in the Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi theme park is estimated at $1 billion and is a milestone in the emirate’s journey to put Abu Dhabi on the global map and become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

“By meeting the global, regional and local demand for a world-class entertainment destination, supported by an equally world-class travel and tourism infrastructure, we are fulfilling our ambition to drive visitor numbers and enrich the UAE’s appeal as a truly international destination that appeals to both residents and travelling guests. Miral is central to this development with a number of significant and exciting projects in the pipeline,” continued Al Mubarak.

Kevin Tsujihara, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros Entertainment, said: “Warner Bros has been entertaining audiences for more than 90 years with the world’s most-loved characters and franchises.  Working with our partners at Miral, we’ll bring this expertise to Yas Island, one of the world’s leading entertainment destinations, to create a fully-interactive, innovative and unique experience that will allow fans of all ages to experience the most exciting aspects of Warner Bros in a completely immersive environment.”

Miral is responsible for the development and management of Yas Island. Its assets encompass entertainment, hospitality, leisure, sport, dining, retail and real estate destinations.  - TradeArabia News Service