Saudi Al Hokair, IMPS to launch first Smurfs FEC in Mena region

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Saudi Arabia - Al Hokair Group for Tourism and Development said it has signed a licence agreement with International Merchandising Promotion and Services (IMPS) that will see the duo launch the first Smurfs FECs in Dubai followed by more locations across the Mena region.

IMPS, together with Lafig Belgium, are the official licensors of the little blue-skinned characters "The Smurfs" and manage the rights of their world and the other characters created by Pierre Culliford, aka Peyo.

Founded in 1984 by Véronique Culliford, Peyo’s daughter, the company is based in Belgium.

Mohamed Attia, Al Hokair Group’s General Manager of Entertainment, Philippe Glorieux, IMPS Head of Marketing and Communications, and Fabienne Gilles IMPS Head of Consumer Products., signed the agreement in the presence of several officials at the Brand Licensing Europe tradeshow held recently in ExCel London.

"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," stated Attia.

Smurfs FEC guests will enjoy meeting with the beloved Smurfs characters and they will experience state of the arts and unique games and attractions all Smurfs themed, he added.

A major player in the entertainment scene, IMPS is involved in offering a wide range of copyright licensing services, film productions, film-makers cartoons, patent and trade.

Al Hokair Group has been a dominant force in hospitality and entertainment for decades and is the recognized leader in tourism for Saudi Arabia and the wider Arabic world.

Founded in 1975, the Group has invested in the entertainment and hospitality sectors under Sheikh Abdulmohsin Al Hokair’s leadership.

Over the past five decades, the group's projects have expanded to include 80 entertainment centers and 35 hotels, and many cinemas, and restaurants across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.