Dubai Emerges as a Global Theme Park Hotspot: Major Attractions, Record Visitors & Upcoming Projects

Dubai’s position as a leading entertainment and tourism destination is gaining fresh momentum as world-class theme parks and water parks continue to draw millions of visitors annually. A new industry roundup places a spotlight on the emirate's growing role in the global leisure and amusement sector, alongside regional players like Abu Dhabi and Yas Island.

From iconic attractions such as LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate, and Real Madrid World, to nearby mega-destinations like SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World, the UAE is becoming a Middle Eastern hub for family-friendly adventure—often compared to the likes of Orlando and Singapore.

 Dubai’s Expanding Entertainment Portfolio

Dubai Parks and Resorts, located near Jebel Ali, is a prime example of the city's integrated leisure model. It features:

• Motiongate Dubai – The Hollywood-themed park with attractions inspired by DreamWorks, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate.
• LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park – Perfect for kids aged 2–12, with more than 40 rides and interactive experiences.
• Real Madrid World – The world’s first theme park dedicated to the iconic football club, opened in 2024, featuring rollercoasters, stadium simulations, and immersive football zones.
• Lapita Hotel – A Polynesian-style resort catering to park visitors.
• Riverland Dubai – A free-to-enter themed dining and retail district.

These attractions are central to Dubai’s ambition of becoming a top global leisure destination, drawing families from the Middle East, India, CIS countries, and beyond.

Abu Dhabi's Yas Island: A Regional Powerhouse

Just 90 minutes away, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island has created a powerful entertainment ecosystem:

• SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, launched in 2023, is the region’s largest marine life theme park, with over 100,000 animals and 8 immersive realms.
• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi continues to attract fans with beloved characters like Batman, Bugs Bunny, and The Flintstones.
• Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld offer high-adrenaline adventures and aquatic fun for all ages.

In the pipeline is the much-anticipated Disneyland Abu Dhabi, confirmed to be under development and set to become Disney’s first theme park in the Middle East.

Record-Breaking Visitor Growth

Dubai’s focus on family entertainment is paying off:

• In 2024, over 31 million people visited parks and recreational venues across Dubai, according to Dubai Municipality—up by 7% from 2023.
• Public parks saw 20.8 million visitors, while five major leisure parks (Zabeel, Mushrif, Al Mamzar, Creek, and Safa) welcomed 6.7 million.
• Dubai’s leisure and entertainment market is projected to reach $20 billion by 2027.

What’s New and What’s Coming

Dubai and the UAE aren’t slowing down. Here’s what’s ahead:

1. Motiongate Water Park Expansion – A new extension is under construction, bringing in additional slides, themed areas, and immersive features.
2. Therme Dubai – Slated to open by 2028 at Zabeel Park, this will be the world’s tallest indoor wellness waterpark, spanning 500,000 sq ft with 15+ slides, botanical gardens, spas, and thermal pools. Expected capacity: 1.7 million annual visitors.
3. Disneyland Abu Dhabi – In development, this mega-project will merge Disney magic with local cultural elements. The park is expected to open in phases starting late 2026 or early 2027.

As Dubai cements its place as a global leisure tourism hub, the investments in theme parks, integrated resorts, and immersive experiences show the emirate’s strategy to offer year-round entertainment beyond shopping malls and luxury hotels.

By leveraging brand partnerships, targeting family markets, and offering all-inclusive entertainment ecosystems, Dubai is not only attracting tourists—it’s setting new standards for theme parks in desert climates.

source

https://en.wikipedia.org/