Dubai Parks and Resorts is a resort located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.[1] Spread over 25 million square feet,[2] it features more than 100 rides and attractions, and consists of three theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World (Formerly Bollywood Parks Dubai)[3] and Legoland Dubai,[4] and one water park: Legoland Water Park.[5] It also encompasses Riverland Dubai,[6] a themed retail and dining destination, as well as the Polynesian-themed family resort, Lapita Hotel Dubai.[7]
The official opening took place on 18th December 2016.[8]
Development history
The Dubai Parks and Resorts project was announced in 2012 and construction started in 2014.[9]
In 2015, Dubai Parks and Resorts signed an agreement with Lionsgate,[12] for a fifth themed zone in Motiongate Dubai. In 2016, the company announced the commencement of construction for Six Flags Dubai, the fourth theme park to be added to the Dubai Parks and Resorts destination.[13]
In 2016, Dubai Parks and Resorts released its official theme song, All the Wonders of the Universe, created by Academy Award winner Alan Menken.[14]
On 31 October 2016, Dubai Parks and Resorts opened the doors to Legoland Dubai and Riverland Dubai.[15] This followed by the opening of Bollywood Parks Dubai on 17 November 2016[16] and Motiongate Dubai on 16 December 2016. The official inauguration was held on 18 December 2016, an event that was broadcast live across the globe.[17]
In 2017, the remaining elements of Dubai Parks and Resorts launched when both the Legoland Water Park and the Lapita Hotel opened to paying guests on 2 January. Later in the year, DXB Entertainments announced a 60:40 partnership with Merlin Entertainments to bring a 250-room Lego-themed hotel to the Dubai Parks and Resorts destination.[18]
Timeline
2012
Dubai Parks and Resorts project announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ruler of Dubai.[19]
2014
Groundbreaking starts on the Dubai Parks and Resorts project in Jebel Ali, Dubai[19]
Agreements signed with leading entertainment properties DreamWorks, Columbia Pictures, Merlin Entertainments (Legoland) and various Bollywood studios[19]
2015
Agreement signed with Lionsgate for the fifth zone at Motiongate Dubai[20]
2016
Dubai Parks and Resorts announced the addition of Six Flags Dubai to the Dubai Parks and Resorts destination, due to open in late 2019[21]
Legoland Dubai opens to the public on 31 October 2016[15]
Bollywood Parks Dubai opens to the public on 17 November 2016[22]
Motiongate Dubai opens to the public on 16 December 2016[23]
2017
Lapita Hotel opens to the public on 2 January 2017[24]
Legoland Water Park opens to the public on 10 January 2017[25]
Dubai Parks and Resorts announced a joint partnership with Merlin Entertainments to bring a Lego-themed hotel to the Dubai Parks and Resorts destination[26]