Dubai Parks and Resorts is the grand new global tourism hotspot in the Middle East that is all set to be a major draw for both, leisure travellers and the MICE segment, with its unique themed attractions, including the world’s very first Bollywood Parks By Sudipta Dev
The Middle East’s largest integrated theme park destination was officially opened recently under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. It was the official inauguration of three theme parks – the much talked about Bollywood Parks Dubai, Motiongate Dubai (a collaboration between Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks and Lionsgate), and Legoland Dubai. The grand festivities that marked the opening was attended by the world media, along with leading dignitaries from the region.
Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO of DXB Entertainments PJSC, the owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts said, “We celebrate the opening of the entertainment landmark of the Middle East. Dubai has always dazzled the world with its creativity and limitless ambition. Dubai Parks and Resorts has the best of the East and the West. This vast desert has become a destination that everyone looks at with pride.” Remarking that the project started with a vision, he stated that it has the support and encouragement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Nuaimi mentioned that Dubai Parks and Resorts is a legacy that will be there for many years. “It is a legacy for residents and tourists who will come here again and again,” he stated.
The parks are not targeted towards one nationality, even the Bollywood Parks is not just focused on the India market. It’s all about the vibrancy of Bollywood which can be enjoyed by everyone across the globe. Motiongate is about Hollywood, but appeals to all ages.
F&B and events
Dubai Parks and Resorts offers a wide range of F&B options – there are as many as 50 restaurants so visitors are spoilt for choice. Bollywood Parks alone has eight restaurants and about 18 food carts. The options are varied according to the interest of the visitors for various types of cuisines and dietary requirements. Though the major income for the parks is the tickets, the F&B is a part of in-park spend. The restaurants are immersive in the theme – from the Victoria Station Cafe in Bollywood Parks to the quaint Very Smurfy Cafe in Motiongate.
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Each park has the possibility to cater to unique themed events, there is multipurpose venue in Riverland and also outdoor areas. Whether a wedding or a MICE event, there are many possibilities. The various venues of Dubai Parks provide an excellent opportunity for both corporate events and social functions. In fact, the parks can host large scale events ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 people. There is a lot of versatility in terms of venue offerings.
For Bollywood buffs
For Bollywood Parks a lot of research has gone into putting up the attractions, all aimed at not just the Indian visitors but also those from Africa and Europe who have a keen interest in Bollywood. “We picked what we think are the biggest stars – Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, you name them and we have got them all. Of course, some of the movies like Sholay, are older but they are classics; Laagan is also a classic, which has been created like a roller coaster ride with a swinging cricket bat. The first was to choose movies with the biggest movie stars and then create them into a ride,” said Thomas Jellum, general manager, Bollywood Parks Dubai.
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The fact that the Bollywood film industry is very much male centered is reflected in the park as well, albeit Jellum feels that he would have liked to have more leading ladies’ themed attractions. Considering that Bollywood Parks has a lot of scope for expansion, hopefully visitors will get to see that as well in the future. For now, from being rescued by Krrish and a virtual reality experience with Ra.One to watching a Bollywood musical Jaan-e-Jigar at the beautiful Rajmahal Theatre, there are many treats in store for Hindi film buffs. They can also grab some peanuts from Chulbul Pandey’s very own kiosk or have an elaborate meal at Mughal-e-Azam restaurant. For bringing back home there are a range of memorabilias on sale – from the Heroes Vault (for Hritik and Shah Rukh fans) to the Bollywood Haat.
Motiongate and Legoland
Motiongate Dubai occupies the largest area in the park. Every theme park has its own castle and at Dubai Parks and Resorts it is the Hotel Transylvania, which though it appears eerie is a perfect non-scary experience even for children. You can also join the battle between the vampires and the Lycans at the Underworld 4D experience or enjoy a highspeed roller coaster chase at the Green Hornet. The Smurfs Village with colourful mushroom shaped houses is yet another attraction that will appeal to young visitors, and also those young at heart.
Legoland was the first park to open. Over 200 model builders have built the models of Legoland over three years. Over 20 million Lego bricks have been used in Miniland alone, and 60 million all over the park. The highlight of Legoland is the Miniland which has beautifully showcased Dubai’s modern architectural marvels built with Lego bricks. For Indian visitors it is of much interest to see the beauty of Taj Mahal aptly captured in the model. Other architectural marvels like the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, Jordan’s Petra city, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enthrall visitors in Miniland.
Riverland Dubai is all set to be a themed retail and dining destination in Dubai, with its four zones. The 501 room Polynesian themed Lapita Hotel is yet another highlight of Dubai Parks and Resorts, for both MICE and leisure travellers.