Contact us | +971 4 3635663
Sponsored by   Mudabala
 
 
BETA
Loading Loading ...
Sun, 08 Nov 2009 | 16:18 GMT
 

Abu Dhabi's Sorouh Strikes Strategic Alliance With MGM and Rubicon to Explore the Development of Unique Entertainment Opportunities

Press Release
 
 

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, March 27 /PRNewswire/ - Sorouh Real EstateSorouh Real EstateLoading..., one of the largest real estate developers listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market with a market cap close to AED 24 billion ($6.5 billion USD), today announced it has signed an agreement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Rubicon, Inc. (Rubicon) to explore the development of entertainment opportunities within Sorouh's real estate portfolio.

The first project, intended to be a large-scale entertainment destination, is to feature unique concepts and will establish new industry benchmarks, by presenting a blend of western and Middle Eastern cultures and traditions that are unique to the region.

Sorouh Real EstateSorouh Real EstateLoading... Vice Chairman and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei said: "Through our partnership with MGM and Rubicon, we hope to leverage the unique opportunities available within our real estate portfolio and, ultimately, raise the profile of the entertainment destinations offered by Sorouh for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Both MGM and Rubicon are well known and respected players in the entertainment industry and we are extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to be part of such a unique alliance."

This agreement marks a new phase in the location-based entertainment space for MGM announced in the past twelve months. In spring of 2007, MGM signed a licensing agreement for MGM Studio World, the studio's first retail, dining and entertainment center in Shanghai with Tianhong Real Estate and Tengxun. MGM Studio World Shanghai is under construction and targeted to open in spring 2010 to coincide with The World's Fair Expo in Shanghai.

Sorouh Real EstateSorouh Real EstateLoading..., committed to the development of tourism in Abu Dhabi, is currently developing several projects in the region including Shams Abu Dhabi; a completely new self-sustaining city for 55,000 residents -- a city of canals and parks which integrates world-class master planning practices and extends the lush green of Abu Dhabi's landscape; in addition to numerous mixed-use developments throughout Abu Dhabi.

Working collaboratively, Sorouh, MGM and Rubicon will develop a broad and varied entertainment platform and creative content for a high quality themed entertainment and leisure facilities. The collaboration will take a phased approach to creating and implementing entertainment concepts and theme-related real estate developments. The strategic alliance will also explore other business opportunities, seeking to establish a long-term, multi-faceted relationship.

Mr. Al Mazrouei said: "This partnership is a testament to Sorouh's continuous commitment to providing added value to both customers and investors alike. It is our hope that this partnership will enhance Sorouh's position to further cement Abu Dhabi's reputation as a leading tourism and lifestyle destination."

"We are pleased to embark on this significant relationship with one of the premier land developers in the United Arab Emirates," said Harry Sloan, MGM's Chairman and CEO. "MGM's brand and myriad of successful entertainment franchises are recognized around the world and, in working with Rubicon on this project, we can develop and create unique entertainment destinations in the region."

Fawaz H. Zu'bi, Chairman of Rubicon, said: "Rubicon is truly proud to be a partner in this very important program. We see the clear vision of Abu Dhabi's government and understand the underlying desire of Sorouh to create a balanced environment integrating relevant aspects of culture, media and entertainment in their developments to meet the needs and desires of coming generations in the United Arab Emirates as well as the region. Along with MGM, we will work to create such a balanced environment with a view to serve the long term objectives of our partners."

MGM, a worldwide producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and consumer products, signed an agreement with Jordan-based Rubicon to start a relationship that involves the establishment of a consumer products business throughout the Middle East and North Africa region as well as location-based entertainment initiatives. The pairing of MGM and Rubicon aims to further the growth of the entertainment industry throughout the region.

-Ends-

About Sorouh Real EstateSorouh Real EstateLoading... P.J.S.C.
Abu-Dhabi based Sorouh was established on 26 June 2005, with a capital of AED 2.5 billion. Today, it is one of the largest real estate developers listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market with a market cap close to AED 24 billion. It is one of the most widely-held issues with approximately 40,000 shareholders. Sorouh employs in excess of 200 highly qualified professionals operating in the field of master-planning and master-development.

Sorouh now has in excess of AED 45Bn of projects under development. These include:

SHAMS Abu Dhabi, Sorouh's flagship project -- a AED 25Bn landmark development on Al Reem Island. A complete new city for 55,000 residents, SHAMS Abu Dhabi will be a self sustaining city of canals and parks which integrates world-class master planning practices and extends the lush green of Abu Dhabi's landscape.

The Gate District at SHAMS Abu Dhabi -- a cluster of eight towers located at the entrance to SHAMS Abu Dhabi. Architecturally renowned worldwide, the AED 11Bn residential, office and retail development is designed as a gateway to the peninsula from Al Reem Island. The Gate District also includes the 74 storey Sky Tower which will be a pinnacle of luxury for its residential and commercial occupants when completed. Located next to the Sky Tower, the 65- storey Sun Tower is home to elegant residential spaces with captivating views of the Gulf and Abu Dhabi skyline.

Alghadeer - a development located in Saih As Sidairah between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Expected to be home to over 18,000 people, the 3 million sq m site is a complete community offering easy access to the UAE's commercial centers airports and ports.

Sorouh is also developing the Golf Gardens close to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the Tala Tower on Al Reem Island, Saraya development on the Abu Dhabi Corniche as well as the Abu Dhabi Aviation Authority residential project and the Al-Shamkha national housing project.

In addition to other achievements, Sorouh was awarded three prestigious accolades during 2007. It won the "Best New Business" category at the Middle East Business Achievements Awards, the "Cityscape Best Commercial Project" for the Gate District, and also won the "CNBC Arabian Property Award" for Best development for Central Park at Shams Abu Dhabi.

In 2008, Sorouh was awarded the "Best Customer Service Company - Real Estate category" by the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute. The award recognizes Sorouh for its unmatched customer care and for the innovative services provided to its customers.

These awards are indications of the positive direction Sorouh has taken and will always continue to take forward.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Rubicon
Rubicon is the MENA Region's premier company in interactive multimedia e- education and 3D animation/ CGI. Since its inception, Rubicon has gone full thrust in the creation and development of innovative entertainment and edutainment solutions based on cutting edge technologies in the fields of multi-media programming and CGI.

© Press Release 2008

 
 
 
Community Comments (0) - Comment on this article
The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect Zawya. Read our Comment Policy.
 
 
 
Loading ...
 
Report Abuse
Loading ...
 
 
Loading ...
Zawya Comment Policy:
 
  1. Zawya encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You agree that when you add content to this discussion your comments will not:
    1.1   Contain any material which is libelous or defamatory of any person, is obscene, offensive, hateful or inflammatory or causes damage to the reputation of any person or organisation.
    1.2   Promote sexually explicit material, violence, discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age or any illegal activity.
    1.3   Be made in breach of any legal duty owed to a third party, such as a contractual duty or a duty of confidence.
    1.4   Be threatening, abuse or invade another's privacy, or cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety.
    1.5   Be used to impersonate any person, to misrepresent your identity or affiliation with any person, or be likely to deceive any person.
    1.6   Give the impression that they represent Zawya.
    1.7   Advocate, promote or assist any unlawful act such as (by way of example only) copyright infringement or computer misuse.
  2. The content posted on www.zawya.com is created by members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of Zawya. Zawya reserves the right to review all comments prior to posting and edit or delete any contribution, but Zawya is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any content posted by members of the public on www.zawya.com.
  3. Zawya is not responsible for the availability or content of any third party sites that are accessible through www.zawya.com. Any links to third party websites from www.zawya.com do not amount to any endorsement of that site by Zawya and any use of that site by you is at your own risk.
  4. By submitting your comment, you hereby give Zawya the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comments worldwide, in perpetuity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Post Your Tender Notices for FREE
(No Sign-in Required)
 
 
Real Estate Tenders Due Date
 
 
 
Community Buzz

Stories

Companies

Most viewed companies by Community in the last 24 hrs
Company Name Country Industry
Consolidated Contractors Company Overseas Construction and Design
Saudi Binladin Group Saudi Arabia Construction and Design
Saudi Telecom Saudi Arabia Telecommunications Services
Saudi Electricity Company Saudi Arabia Electric Utilities
Emirates Aluminium Company UAE Metal Production
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority UAE Electric Utilities
Emirates Telecommunications Corporation UAE Telecommunications Services
Al Azizia Panda United Company Saudi Arabia General Retailers
Commercial International Bank (Egypt) Egypt Banking
Dodsal Engineering and Construction UAE Construction and Design
 

Projects

Most viewed projects by Community in the last 24 hrs
Project Name Country Sector
Takreer - Ruwais Refinery Expansion UAE Oil and Gas
Al Futtaim Carillion - Marina Hotel (Yas Island) UAE Real Estate
Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) - Smelter Complex - Phase 1 UAE Industry
Abu Dhabi DOT - Abu Dhabi Metro UAE Infrastructure
ENEC - Nuclear Power Plant UAE Power and Water
SATORP - Jubail Refinery and Petrochemical Complex Saudi Arabia Oil and Gas
Dubai RTA - Dubai Metro UAE Infrastructure
Al Safwa - Jeddah Cement Plant Saudi Arabia Industry
Qatar Bahrain Causeway Foundation - Qatar Bahrain Causeway Bahrain Infrastructure
Qatar Bahrain Causeway Foundation - Qatar Bahrain Causeway Qatar Infrastructure
 

Blogs

 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Site is optimised for viewing at 1024 x 768 with Internet Explorer v6 and Firefox v3.0 and above.
Copyright © 2009 ABQ Zawya Ltd. All rights reserved. Please read our Membership Agreement