Whether it’s family fun or hair-raising thrills you’re after, Dubai has theme parks for you.
When we think of Dubai we tend to think of manmade islands and sprawling malls but the emirate has also become home to many of the region’s leading family entertainment destinations, with its world-class theme parks drawing in travellers of all ages with their innovative exhibitions and thrilling rides. As the summer heat abates, here are some of the city’s top theme park attractions for your next family vacation.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Dinosaurs meet the Avengers at IMG Worlds of Adventure, an indoor theme park the size of 28 football fields. Featuring four zones including one dedicated entirely to the Jurassic era, the temperature-controlled theme park has more than 20 rides and attractions. Mingle with your Marvel comics superheroes (think Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk and Thor), while little ones will adore joining in on the adventures of their favourite Cartoon Network characters, including the Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10.
The park’s signature ride, The Velociraptor, is one of the tallest and fastest rollercoasters in Dubai, propelling guests to 100km in 2.5 seconds from prehistoric jungle into the desert.
MOTIONGATE Dubai
A blockbuster in its own right, this Hollywood-inspired adventure land features around 30 rides inspired by memorable action and animation films, including Ghostbusters, Shrek and The Hunger Games. There are three zones dedicated to legendary film studios including Dreamworks, Lionsgate and Columbia Pictures, plus Smurfs Village where the kids will be enthralled for hours.
Don’t miss the record-breaking rollercoasters inspired by box office sensations John Wicks and Now You See Me at Lionsgate. The latter features multiple twists and turns and is the world’s fastest single-car spinning coaster, echoing the plot of the heist-based movie.
LEGOLAND Dubai
Explore a world where the LEGO brick comes to life at Legoland Dubai. Ideal for families with children aged two to 12, there are more than 40 rides here, with many attractions requiring kids to use teamwork and apply their skills to steer a boat or drive a car. More than 60 million bricks were used to build this family theme park, which is made up of six lands – both indoor and outdoor – including Lego City and the Middle East-themed Miniland.
If it’s water rides you’re after, head to Legoland Water Park, and you can fully immerse yourself in the experience by checking into the Legoland Hotel too. Also, be sure to climb aboard the medieval Dragon Coaster and encounter twists and turns with a view of life in the enchanted King’s castle.
Play DXB
Located in The Dubai Mall, Play DXB, previously known as VR Park, is the largest indoor virtual reality park in the world. Inviting players to ‘challenge reality’, you’ll find more than 30 exhilarating rides that blur the lines between perception and reality to explore over two floors. With all ages catered for, immerse yourself in the solo and multi-player experiences themed around horror, sports, adventure and more — you’re sure to find your thrill.
If you’re feeling adventurous, test your nerves with a ride on Burj Drop; a seriously nail-biting VR experience that sees you hanging onto the Burj Khalifa by a thread.
Real Madrid World
The world’s first football theme park, Real Madrid World at Dubai Parks and Resorts, has plenty of thrills and exciting experiences for fans of all ages. This theme park in Dubai is divided into three zones – Champions Avenue, Celebration Plaza and Stars Avenue. Follow the club’s journey on the region’s first wooden roller coaster, Hala Madrid, feel the rush at Hands Up!, a high-octane drop tower experience, or ride The Wave – La Ola with the entire family.
Other immersive concepts include the Bernabéu Experience, which will transport you to the exclusive locker room of the Madrid-based stadium, and The Factory of Dreams, a virtual simulator ride packed with unexpected twists and turns. You can also discover new heights as you conquer Stars Flyer, the world’s tallest amusement ride at 460 feet.
