Meraas Plans Three Theme Parks For Phase 1 Of Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai-based property developer Meraas Holding said that it will open three theme parks, the Hollywood themed Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and Legoland Dubai in the first phase of its mega leisure development Dubai Parks and Resorts.

The development will also feature Riverpark, a grand entrance plaza and a family themed hotel Lapita in the first phase, the company said in a statement.

The first phase of the mega project, for which the ground work began in February 2014, is scheduled for completion in 2016.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is a Dhs10 billion complex of five theme parks announced by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2012 and is situated in Jebel Ali.

The complex includes a theme park focused on India’s Bollywood cinema industry, an adventure park featuring Hollywood brands, a marine park, a children’s park and a night safari.

The company has also appointed Raed Al Nuami, who was previously the chief leisure and entertainment officer at Meraas, as the chief executive.

“Dubai Parks & Resorts has been designed as the first of its kind entertainment destination that simultaneously opens the gates of three theme parks,” said Abdulla Al Habbai, chairman of Meraas Holding.

“The project will feature leading intellectual properties from elite industry players to create leisure and entertainment concepts that are expected to draw more than five million residents and tourists annually. We are confident our efforts will contribute to achieving the Dubai Tourism Vision 2020 and become the pride of our nation.”

Since its launch in 2012, Meraas Holding has also inked a number of deals with global movie studios and theme park operators to develop Dubai Parks and Resorts.

These include a recently announced partnership with the US-based theme park operator Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to develop a new park within the mega project. The Six Flags-branded theme park is slated to open in late 2017

Dubai developers are launching mega leisure and entertainment projects in the emirate, looking to cash in on the impending tourist boom of 20 million visitors by 2020.

Another major entertainment project, the IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park is currently under construction within the City of Arabia development. It will have four zones including Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley and the IMG Entertainment Zone with each of the zones featuring themed rides, themed retail outlets and themed merchandise.

Spread across 1.5 million square feet in its first stage, the development is slated to be the largest temperature controlled indoor themed entertainment destination in the world upon completion and is slated to attract up to 20,000 visitors per day.