Dubai is looking to become the world's next major theme park hub. United Arab Emirate-based Al Ahli Group and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. have announced a joint partnership that will bring a new mind-blowing theme park to Dubai; one that can (and most likely will) utilize Marvel's entire library of superheroes, including Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four, The Silver Surfer and Iron Man. According to a press release, the project will open in 2011 and is sure to become a must-see for you thrill fanatics and Marvel fanboys.

A number of Marvel characters (including Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk) are already featured at Orlando's Islands of Adventure -- however, to my knowledge, there are currently no parks that specifically cater to the Marvel universe. Mohamed Khammas, CEO of Al Ahli Group, notes that with this new partnership they aim to create "the ultimate entertainment destination for families and children of the region and the world, a destination where they can live their childhood fantasies and create new memories for the entire family to cherish and remember." The creative team (working off a direct investment of $1 billion) will be based in Hollywood, Orlando and Dubai during the development process, with the ultimate goal being to create "a new standard for theme parks around the world." The only problem? You have to go all the way to Dubai. Drats.

The whole thing sounds pretty interesting, and I wonder whether they will incorporate scenes from the films into each ride (a la Disney with their Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Orlando).