Dubailand, a member of Tatweer, today announced it has formed a strategic alliance with U.K.-based HIT Entertainment, one of the world’s leading independent children’s entertainment producers and rights owners.

They will work together to develop a diverse portfolio of family entertainment projects in Global Village at Dubailand, a 3 billion-square-foot development that includes theme parks, eco-tourism projects, shopping malls, restaurants and residential units in United Arab Emirates.

The highlight of the alliance will be the creation of the world’s first HIT Entertainment "Little Big Club" in Dubai.

The 25,000 sq ft indoor/outdoor project represents a multi-million AED investment within the permanent Global Village, which is set to open its doors in the last quarter of 2008.

The "Little Big Club" is designed around the globally popular characters Barney, Pingu, Bob the Builder and Thomas & Friends with themed rides and indoor and outdoor play-centers.

"Little Big Club" will feature party and educational function spaces and a live show and TV show screening theater.

Dubailand and HIT will work together to develop new concepts, including live shows with a mix of music and entertainment, themed restaurants and retail outlets for Global Village visitors.

U.K.-based theme park designers RMA will design the layout, rides and project-manage all architectural, scenic and technical aspects of the club.

Dubailand has several other projects in development, including Dubai Sports City, Motor City and Dubai Heritage Vision.