±±¾©Èü³µpk10

The strategic alliance with Aldar, Abu Dhabi's largest real estate developer, and the recently formed Abu Dhabi Media Company, will result in the creation of a 6,000-acre theme park and hotel, jointly owned multiplex cinemas, special funds to produce feature films and the development and publication of video games.

The Warner Brothers Home Entertainment Group will also provide expertise to help build Abu Dhabi's infrastructure for the development of new media.

The film production fund, which is a 50/50 venture, will develop and produce broad-appeal films, with Warner Brothers retaining worldwide distribution rights. Separate from this, Warner Brothers Pictures International will work with the Abu Dhabi Media Company to develop and produce Arabic-language films and TV productions for local and pan-Arab distribution.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, chairman of Aldar, said: "This strategic announcement demonstrates the depth of our commitment to building Abu Dhabi in a holistic way -- bringing the best in entertainment to the communities we are creating. International alliances are a core element of our strategy to lead the industry by example, delivering value to our shareholders, customers and partners alike."

Jeff Bewkes, Time Warner president and COO, said: "[the strategic alliance marks a] major step in Time Warner's commitment to grow its businesses internationally."

Abu Dhabi has already embarked on a spectacular phase of development, with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi planned as part of Saadiyat Island's Cultural District, while a Formula 1 racetrack is also being built in preparation for the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009.

With its plans to create a media and film production hub, Abu Dhabi is also challenging rival emirate Dubai, which is currently building the 22 million sq ft Dubai Studio City and is also hoping to tie-up with big Hollywood companies.