Theme Parks Near Dubai
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Dubai is an absolute dream destination for lovers of theme parks. There are numerous wonderful and modern parks within the city limits and in nearby Abu Dhabi.
Theme Parks in The United Arab Emirates: (Jump To)
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IMG Worlds of Adventure
This theme park is entirely indoors under a giant dome. Inside you’re safe from the harsh desert sun cooled by a steady flow of air conditioning.
The park has five different areas that they refer to as “epic zones.” The Cartoon Network area has rides themed to popular shows like Adventure Time, Powerpuff Girls, and Ben 10. Many of the rides in the area are equivalent to themed carnival rides.
Probably the most popular area in the park is the Marvel-themed area. The highlight is the unique Hulk ride inside a stereoscopic cinema dome.
Also notable is the dinosaur-themed area, Lost Valley. Here you’ll find The Velociraptor, a full rollercoaster that shoots you briefly into the bright hot Dubai desert for a thrilling shock to the senses.
The park is best accessed via taxi or rideshare from anywhere in Dubai.
Motiongate
Inspired by Hollywood and the spirit of filmmaking this large theme park has attractions themed to DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, Lionsgate, as well as a large Smurf zone.
Some of your favorite film characters will likely be somewhere in the park. There are rides themed to The Ghostbusters, Zombieland, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, John Wick, The Green Hornet, and Hotel Transylvania.
The large indoor area has rides themed to Dreamworks animated characters Shrek, Madagascar, Kung-Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon. The Shrek dark ride was a highlight of the park.
There are also opportunities to see different stage shows in the park.
BollywoodParks Dubai
**As of Summer 2023, BollywoodParks appears to have closed indefinitely.
Right next to Motiongate is a unique park themed to the films and spirit of the Indian film industry, Bollywood. The theming of the park is legendary with a huge Taj Mahal-inspired theatre at the center of the park.
The rides all have an interesting flare. a favorite was Sholay: The Hunt for Gabbar Singh a 3D dark ride with beautiful artful animation and a story that seemed very unique for a theme park experience.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Our favorite of the parks we visited was Warner Bros. World. The park is situated in the nearby city of Abu Dhabi and is accessible via a free daily shuttle bus from the Ibn Battuta Mall.
Opened just three years ago (2018) at the cost of $1 Billion the park is the world’s largest indoor theme park. The 1.65 million square feet of air-conditioned space holds some world-class attractions.
Themed to popular properties under the WB banner the most notable sections lean on the DC comics heroes (Batman, Superman, and the villains like The Joker and The Riddler). The rides in these areas use the most up to date and modern ride technology. We were blown away by every ride.
Also fun is the Flintstones area where you’ll find a themed log flume ride and a “Brontosaurs Burger” restaurant.
It wouldn’t be WB without Bug Bunny and company. The Cartoon Junction section of the park has a great Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote coaster, Fast and Furry-ous. There are also rides for Scooby-Doo and The Jetsons.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Lastly, also in Abu Dhabi and within walking distance (or free shuttle bus) from Warner Bros. World is Ferrari World. This is another huge indoor theme park.
The park is notable because it is home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster.
Ferrari lovers will enjoy the in-depth theming and information related to the brand and the history of the Italian carmaker.
We found the park to be a little small for the high admission price.
Read about our visit to Ferrari World’s sister park in Spain.
