Pictures, video: Inside Dubai Parks and Resorts as it officially opens

Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest theme park destination in the Middle East, officially opened on Sunday.

Set across 30.6 million sqft, the Dhs13.2bn Dubai Parks and Resorts features three main theme parks – Hollywood themed Motiongate, Legoland Dubai and Bollywood Parks. The complex also includes a Legoland Water Park (which is yet to open), a retail dining district called Riverland and a Polynesian themed four-star hotel part of the Marriott Autograph Collection called Lapita.

The destination has had a staggered opening of its parks, with Legoland opening as per schedule on October 31, Bollywood Parks on November 17 and Motiongate on December 17.

It was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Sunday.

Video: @HHShkMohd officially inaugurates #Dubai Parks & Resorts in presence of @HamdanMohammed & @SaifBZayed pic.twitter.com/oUBl6aPQza

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 18, 2016

Dubai Parks features a total of 100 rides and attractions, however not all of are open as yet – including the DreamWorks and Lionsgate zones at Motiongate.

Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO of DXB Entertainments – owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts – confirmed that everything should be open by the end of this year or early next year.

Motiongate Dubai:

The Hollywood-inspired theme park has a line-up of 27 rides and attractions inspired by 13 movies from DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures – including The Smurfs – and Lionsgate.

On offer are five roller coasters, a drop tower, a water ride, interactive play labs, 3D motion simulators and live stage shows.

The DreamWorks Zone features the fastest roller coaster in the park – Madagascar Mad Pursuit while the biggest one – currently under construction – is the Capitol Bullet Train based on The Hunger Games.

The destination also features attractions such as Zombieland, Blast Off, Underworld’s 4D theatre, Hotel Transylvania and Ghostbusters.

A massive theatre with 1,000 seats hosts a dance stage show based on Step-Up: All In and Step-Up: Revolution four times a day.

On offer are nine themed restaurants, quick dining kiosks and 15 themed retail shops.

Ticket price:

One day pass (preview price till March 2017): Adult- Dhs250, child/senior – Dhs215 and annual pass- Dhs865

Bollywood Parks

Spread across 1.7 million square feet, Bollywood Parks is themed around India’s Bollywood film industry.

The park features five zones: Bollywood Boulevard, Mumbai Chowk, Rustic Ravine, Royal Plaza and Bollywood Film Studios featuring Hall of Heroes.

The rides and attractions are inspired by nine movies – Rock On, Don, Lagaan, Sholay, Dabangg, Mughal-e-Azam, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, RA.One and Krrish.

Also in the park is the 850-seater Rajmahal Theatre that will showcase a Broadway-style, Bollywood -themed musical. Guests can also catch 20 live shows across six stages through the park during the day.

Bollywood Parks features six themed restaurants and eight retail outlets.

Ticket price:

One day pass: Adult- Dhs285, child/senior – Dhs245 and annual pass- Dhs755

Legoland Dubai

Targeting children aged 2-12, Legoland Dubai features over 40 rides, shows and attractions.

It features 15,000 Lego model structures made from over 60 million bricks. The tallest structure is that of the Burj Khalifa – which has been made with 438,000 Lego bricks.

The park includes six themed areas – Lego City, Kingdoms, Imagination, Adventure, Miniland and Factory.

Legoland Dubai features nine dining and food kiosks and The BIG Shop – which has the largest selection of Lego retail items in the region.

Ticket price:

One day pass: Adult- Dhs295, child/senior – Dhs250 and annual pass- Dhs765

Legoland Water Park will feature over 20 water slides and attractions, and amenities, including dining and retail outlets.

Ticket price:

One day pass: Adult- Dhs240, child/senior – Dhs205

One day pass [Legoland and Legoland Water Park]: Adult- Dhs395, child/senior – Dhs350 and annual pass – Dhs995

Annual pass for all parks – unlimited access all year around is priced at Dhs2,495