UAE/Belgium: Al Hokair Group & IMPS to Bring the First “The Smurfs” FEC to the MENA Region

Saudi Arabia-based Al Hokair Group, which implements tourism and leisure projects in the wider Arab region, and Belgium-based IMPS (International Merchandising, Promotion, and Services S.A.), joint licensor of the “Smurfs” IP together with LAFIG Belgium, have reached an agreement to develop a Smurfs-themed family entertainment centre (FEC) in Dubai, UAE. This will be the first FEC based on this IP in the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region. Further locations are to follow. Visitors can expect unique games and attractions based around the popular little blue characters.

“We are excited about this new collaboration with IPMS, which will add a great value to our entertainment portfolio, and it will mark another success story for Al Hokair Group,” commented Mohamed Attia, Al Hokair Group’s General Manager of Entertainment, on signing the collaboration agreement together with Philippe Glorieux, IMPS Head of Marketing & Communications, and Fabienne Gilles, IMPS Head of Consumer Products (photo). Founded in 1975, Al Hokair Group is continuously investing in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. In the past five decades, its projects have expanded to include some 80 entertainment centers and 35 hotels, many cinemas and restaurants across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. (eap)