Financial and cultural risk in play for Middle East theme parks

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

As the ink dries on the billion-dollar deals in the United Arab Emirates, movie studios are grappling with ways to make their signature characters and amusement parks fly in the conservative Muslim region. Politically sensitive characters such as Captain America could be left at home. Prayer rooms will join the list of accommodations, and menus will likely feature falafel and humus alongside pizza and hot dogs.

Read more from The Jerusalem Post.

[Ed. note: Warning... they quote Paul Ruben, who I wouldn't consider an expert on the industry, let alone global cultural issues. -J]

I think all parks should serve falafel and humus.

Captain America taking up residence in ANY country other than the good 'ol You-Ess-of Ay would be politically offensive.

Chuck Norris on the other hand... ;)

Captain America is dead anyway.

Maybe they can have a True Lies stunt show where a American action star can kill a bunch if islamic Terrorists, that would be great fun in that part of the world!!!

I would kill to see a "The lies of the Republicans" Exhibit.

We have one of those already. It's called a White House Press Conference.

(Zing!)

Seems more and more likely that the Dubai parks are going to function in a way reminiscent of Discovery Cove. Can't see where they could draw the attendance numbers to operate any other way....

Then again, probably ought to consder that these parks may not be operating to turn a profit - just to exist.

That was a lame article.

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