As family tourism becomes the focus of the UAE’s tourism offering, theme parks are cropping up across its capital Abu Dhabi as well as Dubai.
WARNER BROS. WORLD ABU DHABI
A $1 billion Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi theme park project will open in 2018, with the world’s first Warner Bros. branded hotel to follow. Situated on Yas Island, one of the world’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destinations, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will bring together stories and characters from the studio’s unparalleled portfolio of DC Comics Super Heroes universe including Batman, Superman and Wonder Women as well as Warner Bros. Cartoons such as Bugs Bunny, Scooby Doo, and Tom and Jerry.
Guests of all ages will be able to step inside Gotham City and Metropolis, and experience the cartoon worlds of Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera and more, all under one roof.
Located alongside the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and the iconic Emirati themed mega water park, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will help Yas Island take its annual visitor tally from 25 million in 2015, to 30 million in 2018, reinforcing Yas Island’s leading position as home to ultimate leisure and entertainment experiences.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman, Miral, says, 'It is incredibly exciting to announce that we are bringing the iconic Warner Bros. brand to Yas Island. Miral’s investment in the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi theme park is estimated at $1 billion and is a milestone in the emirate’s journey to put Abu Dhabi on the global map and become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.
KIDZMONDO
The largest entertainment, education and learning project in the UAE was announced earlier this year in a partnership between KidzMondo and Aldar Properties for a KidzMondo theme park at The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi.
During the ceremony, Kidz Holding introduced the concept of KidzMondo City, a miniature city dedicated to children aged between 2 and 14 years, offering activities that combine playtime with learning and enable children to learn about a great number of professions, occupations, and trades. The activities are designed to develop each child’s knowledge and mindset by cultivating a sense of responsibility, alongside a love for work, productivity and positive citizenship.
KidzMondo is expected to open in the first quarter of next year and will require an extensive financial investment.
The central idea of KidzMondo is to develop a small-scale city built for and ruled by children between the age groups of 2 to 14. Under the supervision of staff members and highly qualified educators, the city simulates daily life for adults where children are able to develop a sense of responsibility and a culture of teamwork as they learn about the various professions and value of money. The KidzMondo city has its own economy and even uses its own currency, the ‘Kidlar’.
FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opened five years ago, but the completed second expansion phase, which began in 2014, saw the addition of several new attractions and rides including Karting Academy, Ferrari Driving Experience, the dynamic triple record-breaking roller coaster, Flying Aces and the ultimate interactive family ride, Benno’s Great Race. In addition, the park has revamped its Junior Training Camp to offer a new range of activities for children, such as the brand-new climbing and free fall jumping experiences.
The next phase of the Park’s expansion will be completed by early 2017 and will consist of the addition of three major rides and attractions that the world has never seen before. Upon completion, guests will be able to enjoy a total of 38 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions that will see the park’s overall capacity increase by 40 per cent.
IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE
IMG Worlds of Adventure, wholly owned by the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group (IMG Group), provides a sneak peek into Dubai’s first international mega-themed leisure and entertainment destination, announcing that it will open its doors to visitors this August 15. Located in the heart of new Dubai and stretching across 1.5 million square feet, IMG Worlds of Adventure will be the first multi-themed destination to open in the region.
There will be four unique worlds all under one roof, Cartoon Network and Marvel as well as the IMG Group original concept the Lost Valley-Dinosaur Adventure joined together by IMG Boulevard. This $1 billion project is fully indoors and comprises four zones including 25 original retail concept stores, 28 immersive food and beverage outlets, over 1,600 employees and 4,500 parking spaces.
IMG Worlds of Adventure will open in its entirety with the exception of the 12-screen Novo Cinema, which will open shortly thereafter. Tickets are available for online purchase, with adult ticket prices set at Dh300 ($82) and children at Dh250 ($68) for an all-day adventure offering access to over 20 signature rides and attractions, including live shows and a 5D cinema experience.
DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS
Dubai Parks and Resorts will feature motiongate Dubai – a unique theme park showcasing some of Hollywood’s most beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Studios and Lionsgate as well as the region’s first LEGOLAND Park and a LEGOLAND Water Park.
Dubai Parks and Resorts will also feature Bollywood Parks Dubai, the first-ever theme park based on the sights and sounds of Bollywood. The entire destination will be connected by Riverland Dubai – a retail, dining and entertainment walkway. Guests can stay at the Lapita Hotel, Autograph Collection, a Polynesian-themed resort catering to families.
Dubai Parks and Resorts will open in October 2016 and has launched a number of annual passes.