Concept Art for a Marvel Theme Park

So back in 2007, it was announced that the United Arab Emirate-based, Al Ahli Group, and Marvel were collaborating on a superhero-themed park to be opened in Dubai. Since we've heard nothing of it since, I assumed that the project had possibly fallen through, or had at least been placed on indefinite hold with the Disney dealings going on. Apparently not, and although obviously nothing is certain at this point due to some complicated copyright issues with Universal Studios in Florida, the design studio behind the park have released a considerable amount of concept art. Chimera Design's artwork has definitely piqued my interest. And while I can't imagine traveling all the way out there to visit a theme park, there's still some cool ideas here.

The studio has previously done theme park work on Legoland, and will be taking the project from "concept through on-site implementation." In addition, an LA Times writer has reported that "off-site testing has already begun on three of the planned attractions: 'Flying with Spidey,' 'Fantasticar,' and 'X-Men: Danger Room.'" An estimated $1 billion project, the park is being scheduled for a 2012 opening, although that date seems highly unlikely in my mind. Check out the art below:

Craziness, not even sure what exactly is going on here. I see some shops though, maybe a "main-street" of sorts?

Some kind of 3D show, awesome.

An underwater roller coaster? Intense.

No idea what's going on here; presumably some kind of stage show.

Flying with Spidey?

Looks a lot like the ride at Islands of Adventure...

I'm going to file the next few under: I have no idea.

Stark Industries... drool....

Main entrance? Sorry for the bad clipping, the text on the right reads: "World of Heroes." Also notice: Spongebob.

What appears to be a "Nickelodeon"-themed area.

No idea, geek fail.

Nice.

And a nice little map to finish us off.

Thoughts?