Ultimate Guide to the Best Theme Parks in Dubai 2024
Last updated on March 14th, 2024 at 08:46 am
Dubai, while famous for its grand desert and magnificent Arabian Gulf, is also home to some of the world’s best and most spectacular theme parks. With multiple world-class theme parks, you can plan an entire vacation around them.
From heart-pumping roller coasters, high-tech virtual reality attractions and excellent indoor snow resorts to interactive shows and water parks.
This guide will take a quick look at some of the best theme parks in Dubai. So whether you’re looking for nice rides or hair-rising thrills, you will find them here.
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01. IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE
IMG Worlds of Adventure is a mega indoor theme park established in 2016. It offers world-class entertainment spread across 1.5 million sq. ft.
The park features six adventure zones, including two representing global brands Cartoon Network and MARVEL, IMG Boulevard, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, Haunted Hotel, and IMG Kids Zone.
It is the world’s most famous temperature-controlled indoor theme park, capable of accommodating over 20,000 guests a day.
The park offers a range of exciting rides and attractions based on popular Cartoon Network characters, Marvel Super Heroes, and dinosaurs. Other features include themed retail stores, exclusive dining options, and a 12-screen state-of-the-art cinema.
If you want to know more inside details about IMG World, check out this article.
02. Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate is a Hollywood-inspired theme park located in Dubai Parks and Resorts. The park has been designed based on famous movie studios such as Columbia Pictures Studios, DreamWorks Studios, and Lionsgate Studios.
You can experience the sets of popular Hollywood movies and interact with your favourite movie characters.
The park is divided into four zones, including the Columbia Pictures Studio Zone, DreamWorks Studio Zone, Lionsgate Studio Zone, and Smurfs Village Zone, offering a variety of rides, simulators, play zones and family-friendly activities.
If you want to know more inside details about Motion Gate, check out this Article.
O3. Legoland Dubai
LEGOLAND Dubai is a family theme park based on the most famous LEGO building blocks games. It is part of the much bigger Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, Motion gate, and Bollywood Parks, two other parks included in this complex.
The park is divided into two sections: the LEGOLAND Theme Park and the LEGOLAND Waterpark.
The entire park is made of giant LEGO blocks. With forty interactive rides, twenty water slides and more than fifteen thousand Lego models.
LEGOLAND provides a fun and unique experience for kids and families.
Check out these two articles if you want more inside details about Legoland.
You can also enjoy both parks in one and save a great amount of money.
04. Bollywood Parks Dubai
Bollywood Parks Dubai, a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, is the world’s first theme park dedicated to Bollywood, the Indian film industry.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Bollywood cinema, exploring recreated movie sets like Lagaan and experiencing 4D movies like Krish.
The park also features the Cinema Circle, where dance workshops are held. It is filled with photo-worthy moments, including henna artists, vintage movie posters, mannequins of stars, and lively performances. Experience the magic of Bollywood in this unique and colourful location.
Bollywood Parks Dubai offers a fantastic experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of India’s film industry.
The park is divided into five zones, each with its theme, attractions, rides, and dining options modelled after Bollywood’s biggest hits. Discover the different zones, including Bollywood Boulevard, Mumbai Chowk, Rustic Ravine, Royal Plaza, and Bollywood Film Studios, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
If you want to know more inside details about Bollywood Park, check out this article.
05. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is a one-of-a-kind indoor ski resort boasting 22,500 square meters of the ski area, making it the largest indoor ski park in the world.
The park features five slopes, a chairlift, an ice museum, and a skiing academy for those looking to learn the sport.
Ski Dubai regularly holds events and concerts and includes an inviting eatery, the Avalanche Cafe, with a balcony overlooking the ski slopes.
The park also boasts real penguins, each with its unique name, and offers a winter wonderland experience with 6000 tons of snow and a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.
Admission to Ski Dubai includes skis and snow gear, while hats and gloves can be purchased separately. Enjoy a hot chocolate at one of the park’s eateries while marvelling at this unique, snow-filled destination.
Location:
Mall of Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai, UAE
Timings :
Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 – 23:00,
Friday: 9:00 – 22:00,
Saturday: 9:00 – 23:00
Time required:
3-4 hours
06. Riverland Dubai
Riverland is often referred to as the entrance to Dubai Parks & Resorts, the Middle East’s largest theme park destination.
The park is divided into four distinct zones – the French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Pier.
Riverland offers a unique blend of fun, food, music, celebration, and entertainment. As a dedicated dining and shopping hub, it boasts over 50 cafes, restaurants, and shops, spread across 234,000 square feet.
Riverland is the perfect place to relax, have a leisurely meal, or take a break. Admission to Riverland is free, making it a must-visit destination for those visiting Dubai Parks & Resorts.
Location:
Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Opening Time
Sat to Wed: 10:00am – 11:00pm
Thu to Fri: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Time required:
with concerts and performances, you need 3 hours
Entrance: Free
07. KidZania Dubai
KidZania Dubai is an interactive life-like indoor city built just for kids in The Dubai Mall.
It offers a unique educational and entertainment experience where kids can role-play as adults in over 90 professional real-life careers and activities, such as a doctor, firefighter, pilot, and more.
KidZania provides a safe and realistic environment that allows children to develop essential life skills, such as financial literacy, teamwork, and problem-solving while having fun.
It is an excellent place for families to spend quality time together and offers a memorable experience for kids of all ages.
Location:
The Dubai Mall, Second level. Cinema Parking – Financial Center Rd – Dubai
Timing:
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Last Entry at 9pm
Time needed
4-5 hours
08. Dubai Garden Glow
The Dubai Garden Glow is a must-visit destination in Dubai and should be added to your list if you have yet to go.
This new and innovative park features four different themes and has drawn visitors worldwide to experience its magic.
The dinosaur park is a standout attraction, with over 120 life-sized dinosaurs on display. The ice park is another must-see, offering the best escape from the heat with its incredible ice sculptures. Finally, the art park showcases artwork made from recycled materials such as bottles, CDs, and plates.
Young children will love the glittering Cinderella carriage and other installations. The park operates on a seasonal calendar and is in its fourth season, providing new and exciting buildings for visitors each season.
Dubai Garden Glow is located within Zabeel Park and is the world’s first park dedicated to glow-in-the-dark exhibits. It is renowned for its extraordinary light installations inspired by art objects worldwide. Don’t miss the mesmerizing sight of a giant jellyfish moving to music above Zabeel Lake or the awe-inspiring sparkle of the Burj Khalifa.
Location:
Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai
Timing:
Sunday to Friday: 5 PM to 11 PM
Saturday & National Holidays – 5 PM to 12 Midnight
Time needed
You can easily and comfortably complete all four parks in 3-4 hours.
09. The VR park/ PlayDXB
The VR Park Dubai is a must-visit attraction in Dubai Mall. It’s the first of its kind in the UAE and spreads over 76,000 sq. ft.
The park offers over 150 realistic amusement games and simulators, including mind-blowing VR games such as Dubai Drone, Apex, and the John Wick experience.
The VR park was inaugurated in 2009. The park was created to depict the video game character Sonic the Hedgehog.
Visitors can enjoy 15 thrilling rides, a fantastic motion simulator, skill-based activities, and various redemption games.
The rides include Xyclone, Robotnik, Rope Rush, a laser maze called Lazeraze, and Racer Bumper Cars. There’s also a soft play area for children to enjoy.
Location:
PlayDXB / Level: Second Floor / Parking: P7, Cinema Parking
Timing:
Weekdays: Monday – Thursday
10 AM – 10 PM (Last entry 9.30 PM)
Weekends: Friday – Sunday
10 AM–12 AM (Last entry 11.30 PM)
Time needed
4 hours
Best water theme parks in Dubai
10. Aquaventure water park
Aquaventure, located in the Atlantis hotel complex in Dubai, is one of the largest water parks in the world and offers an array of pools, slides, and rides that are sure to provide a thrilling and exciting day.
The park’s key highlights include the record-breaking Tower of Neptune and the Tower of Poseidon, both adrenaline-pumping attractions sure to leave visitors breathless.
Aquaventure also provides many facilities for those who wish to relax and unwind. Visitors can soak up the sun at the private beach, lounge on sunbeds, or take a break at the park’s cabanas.
Additionally, the park houses the country’s longest river, called Rapids, stretching 2.8 km.
For those looking for a unique experience, Aquaventure offers many activities that are sure to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Visitors can go on a Shark Safari to safely swim with the sharks or participate in feeding the stingrays.
For the more adventurous, the park also provides a zip-lining experience 20m above the park as you fly through the compound
It is important to note that many park rides and attractions have strict height, weight, and health restrictions, so it is always a good idea to check before visiting.
With 105 rides and attractions, Aquaventure will keep visitors entertained, refreshed, and exhilarated all day.
Location:
Aquaventure Waterpark is located in The Avenues at Atlantis, The Palm
Timing:
Daily, 9:30am – 6:00pm
Time needed
5-6 hours
11. Laguna Water Park
This Waterpark has closed its doors indefinitely
Laguna Water Park, located on the stunning beachfront of La Mer in Dubai, offers a variety of exciting and adrenaline-pumping water rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
The water park features a relaxing river oasis where guests can take a dip, float, or get their feet wet, an infinity pool and many cabanas.
Thrill-seekers can tackle the intense Constrictor, Freefall, Loop, Mad Racer, and Mantra water slides, while younger children can enjoy the Splash Pad and Aqua Play areas.
With its breathtaking ocean view, Laguna Water Park also boasts the Middle East’s first-ever 180-degree surf park and an infinity pool for swimming.
Aside from its impressive water attractions, Laguna Water Park also offers plenty of dining and shopping options, such as Roti Rollers and Zou Zou., making it a complete beachside destination for visitors.
12. Wild Wadi Water Park
Wild Wadi Water Park, located in Jumeirah in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab, is a top-notch water park that offers a variety of innovative rides for visitors of all ages.
The park is inspired by the popular Arabian folktale character Juha and provides a unique experience for its guests.
In addition to the thrilling rides, Wild Wadi also offers excellent surfing opportunities.
One of the main reasons that the park is so popular among visitors is its stunning location, which offers views of landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Beach
It is important to note that some rides have height, weight, and health restrictions, but the Master Blasters and Juha’s Journey are suitable for families to enjoy together.
Location:
Jumeirah St – opp. Burj Al Arab – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai
Timing:
MON – SUN 10:00 – 18:00
Time required:
4-5 hours
Best Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi
13. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld is a top-ranked water park in the middle east and is widely considered one of the world’s best in the world.
Spanning 37 acres, it is one of the largest water parks in the Middle East and a popular destination in Dubai.
It boasts the world’s first hydro-magnetic tornado waterslide and the Middle East’s longest-suspended roller coaster.
Visitors can surf on the most enormous surfable sheet wave, plunge down the thrilling Slither Slide, experience wave tunnels, and ride a six-person water coaster with twists, turns, rapids, and drops. Then, after an exciting day, take a break and float along the lazy river.
Yas Waterworld is a must-visit for everyone, attracting international tourists and local UAE residents with its promise of the best water park experience.
Location:
Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Timing:
Monday- Sunday: 10.00 AM- 06.00 PM
Time needed
6-7 hours
14. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an indoor amusement park worth USD 1 billion, featuring 29 rides, 7-star restaurants, shops, and shows featuring iconic Warner Bros characters.
Located on Yas Island near Ferrari World and Yas Waterpark, it is the third Warner Bros park, following the ones in Oxenford and Bottrop.
The park is divided into six themed areas, including Gotham City and Metropolis (featuring DC characters like Spiderman and Batman), Cartoon Junction and Dynamite Gulch (featuring classic cartoons like Looney Tunes and Hanna Barbera), Bedrock (themed around Flintstones), and Warner Bros. Plaza (inspired by Hollywood of the past)
With thrilling rides and live entertainment for all ages, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is a family-friendly destination and one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, complementing the adventure theme of Yas Island.
Location:
Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Timing:
Monday- Sunday: 11.00 AM- 08.00 PM
Time needed
4-5 hours
15. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World is a world-class entertainment destination in the United Arab Emirates, offering a variety of experiences for all visitors.
From high-speed rides that exceed the speed of a Ferrari F1 car to authentic Italian cuisine, there is something for everyone.
You can challenge your friends in advanced racing simulators, enjoy a roller coaster ride with the tallest non-inverting loop, take a virtual tour of the historic Ferrari factory, or even learn how to fly.
Ferrari World has received numerous awards and recognition, including the World Travel Awards.
Location:
Yas Island – Yas Leisure Dr – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
Timing:
Saturday- Thursday: 11.00 PM- 08.00 PM
Friday: 12.00 PM- 08.00 PM
Time needed
5-6 hours
