Timbalaya, the story-led IP and outdoor natural play attraction, has signed its first franchise deal, with the Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) in Kuwait.

Work is expected to begin in 2018 to build the mid-size Timbalaya attraction, with the circa £4m ($5.3m) project slated for a late 2019 or early 2020 opening.

At its heart, Timbalaya is a children’s adventure story based around the village of Wishing – a place where dreams are made, wishes come true and imaginative play is created through the escapades of three friends and intriguing characters such as Buzzbirds, the Borroble Bear and Spangle Stargazer.

The new Kuwait attraction will bring the scenes of the book to life with distinctive features, including amazing views from Spangle Stargazer’s Tower, kinetic structures, riddles and games dotted around the park, waterplay, parades and performances.

“We’re excited to see the very first Timbalaya going to Kuwait,” said Timbalaya’s Sylvia Matiko.

“We have had several groups interested in building a Timbalaya attraction, but TEC have just moved faster and as a result Kuwait will be the first to enjoy this incredible experience.”

In addition to the Kuwait facility, Timbalaya has also hinted that conversations with some European sites are “quite far advanced” and another announcement is expected in early 2018.