Dubai is home to many family-friendly entertainment venues and thrill-seeking adventures. You can find most of these at innovative theme parks and amusement parks. This detailed guide will help you navigate these sprawling venues like it isn’t your first time.
Things to Know Before You Visit Amusement and Theme Parks in Dubai
Before visiting your first Dubai theme park or amusement park, you need to weigh your options and prepare your visit based on your interests and preferences. Here’s everything you need to know about theme parks and amusement parks in Dubai.
Theme Parks VS. Amusement Parks in Dubai
As one of the most-visited cities in the Middle East, Dubai became home to many theme parks and amusement parks for adults and children alike. These entertainment venues, however, offer different attractions and central offerings. Although there are no general guidelines or rules that distinguish an amusement park from a theme park, it’s still important to note the differences between the two as you plan your visit to any Dubai theme park or amusement park.
Theme parks in Dubai, as the word suggests, follow a central theme when offering rides, attractions, structures, and other activities. Dubai amusement parks, meanwhile, are also large outdoor or indoor establishments but with various rides and attractions that don’t offer any theme or storytelling techniques.
Who Can Enter Amusement and Theme Parks in Dubai
Theme parks and amusement parks in Dubai typically cater to children and families, so there are no serious age or health restrictions to consider when entering the park. However, these establishments still impose restrictions on extreme rides and attractions.
Age, Body Composition Restrictions
Children and infants are allowed to enter any Dubai theme park or amusement park. Some even offer free access to children under the age of three. However, the individual attractions inside the parks have their own age, height, and weight restrictions. You’ll mostly encounter these on rides like roller coasters, bumper cars, Ferris wheels, and other extreme carnival rides.
Health Restrictions
People go to amusement and theme parks to seek fun and thrills, so many rides and attractions offer that and more. People with serious health conditions, especially heart diseases and epilepsy, are not advised to participate in these activities. Strobing lights and loud sounds may cause panic and trigger seizures.
Pregnant women and people of determination, in other news, are also not allowed to participate in extreme and jarring rides. They are, however, welcome to enter all public areas of the parks and use specialized facilities, such as private breastfeeding centers and wheelchair-accessible platforms.
Are Amusement and Theme Parks in Dubai Safe?
All amusements and theme parks are generally safe. They are required by relevant local and national governing bodies under the fairground, leisure, and entertainment industry to follow safety and security protocols. The rides, most especially, should adhere to protocols for fire, health, and technical safety.
These parks report little to no accidents in the past decade. Many related injuries and hazards are also preventable, provided that attending parents and guardians cooperate with the parks’ staff.
COVID-19 Considerations
All amusement and theme parks in Dubai follow special health and safety measures to combat COVID-19. These establishments are required by the World Health Organization (WHO) and local authorities to ensure social distancing among visitors, sanitize public areas and rides, conduct temperature checks for staff and guests, and promote contactless payments. They may also provide new working hours based on local curfews and protocols.
Guests, too, are required to follow individual safety protocols. Guests should wear face masks during the activity, avoid physical contact among staff and other guests, and submit basic personal information for contact tracing purposes.
All theme parks and amusement parks are now operating in Dubai. However, they adjusted the working hours and capacity of all attractions, shops, and restaurants. Regarding managing queues for individual rides, the local government required all parks to put signs and active staff in every area.
When Is the Best Time to Go to an Amusement or Theme Park
If you plan to visit a Dubai theme park or amusement park with your family and friends, early weekdays are the best option. These are non-peak days with no student visitors. Weekends are typically free days, so many people flock to amusement and theme parks on Saturdays and Sundays.
How Long Can You Stay in Dubai Amusement and Theme Parks
Tickets to theme parks and amusement parks in Dubai come with full-day access to the area, so you can spend a whole day following the working hours of the establishment. If you want to allot an entire day for this activity, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid queues and explore all attractions and areas of the parks until closing.
Where Are the Best Amusement and Theme Parks in Dubai Located?
The city of Dubai already offers the tallest skyscrapers and the largest man-made projects in the world, so it’s no surprise that you can easily locate a lot of theme parks and amusement parks in the city. Here are some of the best districts and neighborhoods housing huge and small-to-medium-sized theme parks and amusement parks.
Dubailand
Dubailand is a vast entertainment complex owned by Tatweer. It’s one of the most expensive and ambitious leisure developments in the world, and it already provided spaces for some of the best amusement parks and theme parks in Dubai.
The Palm
The Palm is a man-made archipelago where many commercial establishments in Dubai stand today. Aside from beaches, hotels, and resorts, The Palm and its surrounding areas are also home to gigantic international and small-to-medium-sized local theme parks.
Sheikh Zayed Road
When you visit Dubai, you’ll surely pass the long highway of Sheikh Zayed Road a lot of times. The road is popular because of its strategic location. It is the ‘main artery’ of the city that provides access to major tourist attractions, including theme parks and amusement parks.
Preparation Tips and Booking Procedures
Theme parks and amusement parks can be fun or stressful, depending on the number of visitors or the group you’re bringing with you. Given this, you must carefully plan your travel, schedule, and bookings. Let’s head to the actual preparation and booking process for this activity.
How to Get to the Best Amusement and Theme Parks in Dubai
These parks are strategically spread out in the city. You wouldn’t have a hard time locating them. Depending on your mode of transportation, here’s how you can reach the best places with amusement parks and theme parks in Dubai.
How to Get to Dubailand
Dubailand is a huge entertainment complex accessible by Dubai main roads. Travelers with private or rented vehicles can easily reach Dubailand from the city center in approximately 22 minutes through Al Ain – Dubai Road/E66.
If you want to commute, city buses can take you to Dubailand and its surrounding areas. Take bus number 105 and alight at the Miracle Garden – 01. From there, you can take a 4-minute walk to Dubailand. There are currently no direct metro stations that can take you to Dubailand.
How to Get to The Palm
The Palm is an artificial island that extends into the Persian Gulf. Travelers with private or rented vehicles can easily reach The Palm approximately 1 hour from the city center through Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 or Al Khail Rd/E44.
There are bus stations that can directly take you to The Palm and its surrounding areas. Take Buses 8, 83, 84, and F55A. If you want to take the metro, your only option is to alight at the Dubai Internet City or Nakheel. After that, you’ll need to take a taxi. Taxi meters start at 5 AED (1.36 USD) from 6 to 10 PM and 5.50 AED (1.50 USD) from 10 PM to 6 AM.
How to Get to Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed Road is the main road in the city, so you can access it from all the neighborhoods of Dubai. Travelers with private or rented vehicles can easily reach the Sheikh Zayed Road approximately 10 minutes from the city center or Downtown Dubai.
If you want to commute, city buses can take you to Sheikh Zayed Road and its surrounding areas. Take buses 83 or 93, depending on your location. If you want to take the metro, take the Red Line to the Nakheel Metro Station. From there, take a 7-minute walk to reach Sheikh Zayed Road.
What Are the Things Visitors Need to Prepare?
The best and only way to enjoy a Dubai theme park or amusement park in all its glory is to allot a full-day stay. This duration means that you have to bring some essential things to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Clothing
Dubai weather is mostly warm, but winter arrives around the last week of October. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, depending on the weather. Loose tops and t-shirts are perfect for warm days, while jackets or hoodies are better in the winter months.
Food and Drinks
Any Dubai amusement park or theme park has a vast collection of fast-food chains, cafes, and restaurants. Theme parks, most especially, have their own themed restaurant. That’s why most of these parks prohibit outside food and beverage. You can, however, bring your own bottle of water.
Recording Equipment
To capture memories, you can bring cameras or video recorders on top of your smartphones. Massive professional recording equipment is prohibited. Besides, you’d have a hard time carrying them around the parks.
Luggage/Baggage
Bring a small or medium-sized travel bag to carry all your belongings. Fill your bag with all your valuables like smartphones and wallets, as well as essentials like sunscreen, a change of clothes, and water bottles.
Is Pre-booking Necessary?
Pre-booking is not necessary. Most theme parks and amusement parks in Dubai have multiple ticket booths at the entrance. However, if you’re bringing a big group and want to score deals, you can book tickets from authorized resellers online.
What are the Best Theme Parks and Amusement Parks in Dubai
Dubai currently has over 35 theme parks and amusement parks. If you’re a resident, you can visit all of them one by one like you’re completing a bucket list. However, if you’re a tourist, it’s best to pick the best entertainment venue based on your preferences. For reference, here are the most popular theme parks and amusement parks in Dubai:
IMG Worlds of Adventure (Theme Park)
IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor amusement park in the world, covering an area of 1.5 million square feet. The park features multiple themes, including Cartoon Network and Marvel, and an exciting combination of moderate and extreme rides.
Based on the themes, locals and tourists recommend the following rides and attractions: The Velociraptor (1.1km rollercoaster), The Powerpuff Girls (360-degree carriage ride), Thor Thunder Spin (top-spin ride), Haunted Hotel (horror maze), and LazyTown (interactive lair).
For dining options, IMG Worlds of Adventure offers themed restaurants with international cuisines. Get your first bite at Tony’s Skydeck, Tony’s Skydeck, Mama Scano’s Of Yancy Street, CN Feast, Finn & Jake’s – Everything Burrito, or Carnivore Hut.
Full-day ticket price: 299 AED (81.41 USD)
Timing: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Sunday to Wednesday; 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Thursday to Saturday
Location: E311 – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Legoland Dubai (Theme Park)
Legoland Dubai is both a theme park and a water park, one of the most innovative entertainment venues globally. The venue houses over 40 rides, attractions, and activities for families—all follow a central theme: the mega-popular LEGO building blocks.
Based on the theme, locals and tourists recommend the following rides and attractions: Rescue Academy (fire truck race), Lost Kingdom Adventure (treasure hunting game), Merlin’s Flying Machines (spinning machine ride), LEGO Technic Twister (head-spinning extreme ride), and Pharaoh’s Revenge (indoor playground).
For dining options, Legoland Dubai offers themed restaurants with international cuisines. Grab your lunch and snacks at Caesar’s Pizza & Pasta Buffet, Market Restaurant, The Café, Knight’s Table, or Ice Factory.
Timing: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM for Legoland Theme Park; 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM for Legoland Waterpark
Location: Parks & Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Rd – AE-AZ – United Arab Emirates
Global Village (Amusement Park)
Global Village is a Dubai amusement park inspired by various carnivals around the world. It’s the largest multicultural festival park in the UAE. The park features themed pavilions, live shows, carnival rides, and more.
The park offers different carnival-inspired rides and attractions. Locals and tourists recommend the following: Texas Track (rodeo ride), Beijing Bungee (bungee jumping attraction), Athens Slingshot (1.4-meter speed ride), Global Burj (drop tower ride), and Shang Hang (tallest ride in Dubai).
For dining options, the Global Village offers themed restaurants with international carnival-inspired food. Grab a bite at Boom Burger, Canadian Poutine, Dynamite Junior Seafood, Raclette DXB, or Flaming Pumpkin.
Full-day ticket price: 15 AED (4.08 USD)
Timing: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM from Sunday to Wednesday; 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Thursday to Friday; 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Saturday
Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, UAE
Motiongate (Theme park)
Motiongate is the biggest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the UAE. It stands as a flagship theme park of Dubai Parks and Resorts. It currently offers 27 rides and attractions inspired by classic and box-office Hollywood movies.
Based on the theme, locals and tourists recommend the following rides and attractions: Capitol Bullet Train (Hunger Games rollercoaster), Madagascar Mad Pursuit (Madagascar children’s ride), The Green Hornet: High-Speed Chase (family-friendly rollercoaster), and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (river expedition).
For dining options, Motiongate features cafes and restaurants with American menus inspired by Hollywood movies. If you get hungry, try Hotel Beastro, Baby Brent’s Luncheonette, Very Smurfy Caf, or Dragon Flame Grill.
Full-day ticket price: 275 AED (74.87 USD)
Timing: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM from Thursday to Friday; 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM from Saturday to Wednesday
Location: Park and Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Bollywood (Theme park)
Going local, Bollywood Dubai theme park pays tribute to Mumbai’s famous movie industry. It’s the first theme park of its kind in the world. The 15 rides and attractions inside the park are inspired by the greatest Bollywood blockbusters.
Based on the theme, locals and tourists recommend the following rides and attractions: Wheel of Stars (55-meter Ferris wheel), Abraa Ka Dabraa (magical boat ride), Hall of Heroes (flying theatre experience), Rodeo Ki Sawari (traditional Indian rode), Stars on Steps (Bollywood song and dance show).
For dining options, Motiongate features cafes and restaurants with Indian and international cuisines. If you get hungry, try Namaste India and Victoria Station Café.
Full-day ticket price: 275 AED (74.87 USD)
Timing: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily
Location: Park and Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
KidZania (Amusement park)
KidZania is a unique and interactive Dubai amusement park. It offers an indoor family education and entertainment venue where kids play at being adults. KidZania Dubai is equipped with over 70 role-playing activities for kids.
Based on the amusement park’s signature offers, locals and tourists recommend the following rides, activities, and attractions: The University (higher education), Al Aan TV Studio (entertainment production), Fade Fit Kids Healthy (snack factory), Games Room (sports activities), and The Rove Hotel (hospitality industry).
For dining options, KidZania doesn’t offer in-house restaurants and cafes. But there are fast-food restaurants and cafes inside. You can dine at McDonald’s, Pizza Express, or Mum Mum.
Full-day ticket price: 110 AED (29.95 USD) to 195 AED (53.09 USD) for children; 80 AED (21.78 USD) for adults
Timing: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM from Thursday to Friday; 12:00 PM to 09:00 PM from Saturday to Wednesday
Location: Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Final First-Timer Tips to Amusement and Theme Parks in Dubai
Aside from researching and picking the best Dubai theme park or amusement park you want to visit based on your interests and preferences, you also need to plan your actual activities inside the venue. Time management is vital to experience a successful whole-day stay at these parks.
What to Do After Visiting Amusement and Theme Parks in Dubai
Based on the list of recommended amusement and theme parks we’ve given, you have plenty of options to choose from if you want to fill your Dubai itinerary with attractions and activities. Still, the city offers other standalone attractions and activities you may also want to try. We recommend visiting waterparks, museums, or beaches.
