Ground has been broken on the site of the US$3.8bn (£2.16bn, 3.15bn euro) mixed-use Legends in Dubailand scheme.

Located within the Dubailand development, Legends will focus on three climate-controlled theme parks across 24.7 million sq ft (2.29 million sq m).

Construction of the parks will be overseen by the Legends Development Company (LDC).

The first theme park, Legends of Arabia, will be based on mythological figures and stories and is expected to be operational by 2008.

The two other parks, Legends of Nature and Legends of the World will follow.

The Legends scheme will also feature four themed hotels including a 50-storey Legends Tower Hotel, a conference centre, a nine-hole golf course and an entertainment complex. Details: www.legendsdubai.ae