WROUGHTON engineering consultants The Halcrow Group is involved in the development of a £3 billion tourism, leisure and entertainment project that is set to open in 2006.

Launched in October 2003, Dubailand is part of Dubai's plan to transform the emirate into an international tourist attraction.

It is hoped the project will triple the number of visitors to the country.

Dubailand includes 45 main projects and some 200 sub-operations.

Ultimately, these will be set in six "worlds of wonder", including theme park attractions, a retail and entertainment hub, sports and outdoor projects, eco-tourism destinations, spas and resorts and a downtown area.

Since September 2002, Hal-crow has been involved in preparing the development frameworks for Dubailand, including master planning, urban design, transport planning and civil engineering services, as well as an appraisal of the leisure and tourism market.

Asad Shaheed, Halcrow's project director, commented: "We're extremely pleased to maintain our place in this prestigious and one-of-a-kind project.

"In 2006, visitors to Dubai will be amazed and stunned by the sheer magnificence of Dubailand."