IMG theme park ride

Top Dubai Theme Parks - Popular Amusement Parks to Visit

Thrillseekers will love Dubai's myriad of adventurous activities.
By Katie Sagal

Whatever kind of theme park fun you and your family are looking for, you’ll find the perfect attraction to suit your vacation in Dubai.

Planning on visiting Dubai with family and looking to visit some of the top Dubai theme parks, waterparks, and more? There are plenty of activities that are perfect for what you are looking for, from traditional amusement parks to virtual gaming cafes. 

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark

Based in the resort area of Atlantis the Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark is an unbeatable experience for fans of water rides. There are water slides, river slides, peaceful beaches, kids' play areas, and so much more for the whole family to enjoy. It’s more than just a waterpark, though.

You’ll get a chance to see and interact with aquatic animals. Feed cow nose rays and explore the amazing Shark Lagoon (you get to put on a specialty helmet and explore the lagoon underwater!) For the adults, there’s even a private beach where you can kick back and relax while the kids make sand castles. It’s a total win-win! 

Getting In: Admission to Aquaventure Waterpark is included on all Dubai passes.

Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate Dubai

This amazing Hollywood-inspired theme park is like nothing you’ve seen before – even if you’ve been to Los Angeles itself! Motiongate Dubai has all the glitz, glamor, excitement, and adventure. The park is divided into several different zones that each tackle an aspect of Hollywood or cinematic culture, from Lionsgate to Dreamworks to Columbia Pictures and beyond.

Some key franchises you’ll see elements from include The Smurfs, Ghostbusters, Madagascar, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and many more. They’ve got all the theme park fun: roller coasters, theatrical performances, meet-and-greet sessions with park characters, and even interactive shows. 

Getting In: Admission to Motiongate Dubai is available on all Dubai passes.

Bollywood Parks Dubai

Bollywood_Parks_Dubai

It’s the very first theme park in the world dedicated to the magic and wonder that is Bollywood culture. Immerse yourself in the musical world of Bollywood. This legendary film industry is anchored in the capital, Mumbai, but you've got the chance to explore the artistry and excitement behind their productions right here in Dubai.

With 16 rides and attractions to choose from and 5 entertainment zones, you’ll be able to explore many facets of Bollywood, from a train ride to exhilarating musical performances. Even if you’re not familiar with many Bollywood films, you’ll love the sense of pure adventure and fun that their stories bring to the table.

Play cricket, partake in a rural feast and celebration, sing along with famous stars, and go back in time to the era of India’s empire. 

Getting In: Bollywood Parks Dubai is separately ticketed.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG

The largest indoor park of its kind in the entire world, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy theme park fun without suffering through the heat. The park itself is divided into five distinct “epic zones,” which encapsulate different ideas and franchises: the zones are Marvel, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, and Novo Cinemas.

Each zone has much to offer for kids and adults, whether you’re a fan of roller coasters and thrill rides or you prefer some more video-based adventure. The Cartoon Network zone is particularly popular with Americans, as it includes nods to franchises like Power Puff Girls, Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, and more. 

Getting In: Admission to IMG Worlds of Adventure is included on all Dubai passes.

Mattel Play! Town

See the world of your kids’ favorite toys brought to life at the charming Mattel Play! Town in Dubai. Explore the worlds of the best Mattel franchises from Bob the Builder to Thomas & Friends to Angelina Ballerina. Each exhibit area encourages positivity, creative thinking, and problem-solving. It’s a great atmosphere for kids to play and learn at the same time, all while interacting with their favorite TV and toy franchises. This theme park is best suited for younger children. 

Getting In: Mattel Play! Town is separately ticketed.

LEGOLAND® Dubai

legoland-dubai

This delightful theme park for young children is a favorite worldwide, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find one in the amazing entertainment capital that is Dubai. You’ll find over 40 rides, attractions, and shows that employ LEGO characters and storylines across six themed lands. It’s got a great mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, so it’s easy to avoid the summer heat when necessary.

Plus, there are over 60 million LEGO bricks in the park altogether – pretty impressive, huh? Visit the popular MINILAND (where you can find tiny scale models of real buildings), explore the medieval world of Kingdoms, and create your own LEGO masterpieces in the Imagination areas. 

Getting In: Admission to LEGOLAND Dubai is available on all Dubai passes.

Looking for more kid friendly options? Check out our post on fun things to do in Dubai with kids.

KidZania

This attraction is one of the top kid-friendly places in all of Dubai. It’s a wonderful, interactive “edutainment center,” to use their words, where children can learn and play simultaneously. The emphasis at KidZania is on roleplaying real adult jobs. Kids have the opportunity to put on costumes and props from over 80 different jobs, all within the replica of a real urban center. They might become inspired by professions they never knew existed. 

They’ll also get the chance to interact with others in this world, by “paying” for groceries with the park’s currency, for example. KidZania City has everything a real community would have – from a hospital to a beauty salon – and your kids will get the chance to explore all of it at their leisure. 

Getting In: Admission to KidZania is separately ticketed.

Ski Dubai

Ski_Dubai_Indoor_Skiing

It’s more than just the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East – it’s a miracle of modern technology that allows visitors to enjoy this popular winter sport year-round...in the middle of the desert! Ski Dubai is designed to mimic the setting of a mountain in winter, so you’ll get the same rush of excitement when skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in this park as you would in the mountains of Colorado.

Best of all? It’s totally real snow. So get out there, strap on your skis, and get going! 

Getting In: Admission to Ski Dubai Polar Pass is included on all Dubai passes.

iFLY - Indoor Skydiving Experience

man-woman-enjoy-flying-together-wind

For adventurous folks, there are few things greater in the world than the feeling of flying. That’s where iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience comes in. Feel all the excitement and wonder of flight at this exciting attraction, which combines elements of skydiving, bungee jumping, and base jumping.

You’ll fall pretty far down through a vertical wind tunnel (the world’s first of its kind, actually) and get a heck of a ride on the way down. This activity is safe for all ages 3+, although parents should exercise caution when deciding if younger children should fly. 

Getting In: Admission to iFLY Dubai Indoor Skydiving is included on all Dubai passes.

Thrill Zone - Laser Tag

Laser Tag

The Thrill Zone Entertainment Centre is among the best options in the region for older children and adults. Their Laser Tag is a high-tech, exhilarating experience that provides tons of fun and works off some excess kid energy. The 3,000-square-foot laser tag zone itself is designed to mimic a Jurassic Park theme. This zone evokes a lot of fun and maybe a little bit of fright.

Run around through UV lights and fog (with accompanying techno music) and try to avoid the pitfalls of the arena as you aim for the opposite team. As far as gear goes, you’ve got special vests equipped with advanced laser tag technology. It’s the real deal when it comes to laser tag, and your whole family will love the experience. 

Getting In: Thrill Zone – Dubai Laser Tag & more is separately ticketed.

Virtual Worlds - Virtual Reality Gaming Café

Virtual Reality Gaming

This amazing destination is the first virtual reality gaming café in all of the Middle East. It offers an immersive, virtual reality experience without the expense of having to buy all of your own equipment and pay for the fancy internet to support it. Come here to experience the latest and greatest in VR tech.

Dubai Virtual Worlds features everything from installations that physically move you through space as you experience the virtual world around you, to elements that keep you seated but feeling like you’re moving. It’s a newer attraction and is very popular in Dubai, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a gamer, or even if you’re just curious about VR. 

Getting In: Dubai Virtual Worlds is separately ticketed.

So much adventure, so little time...

Whew! It’s clear that Dubai has theme parks and plenty of other fun amusement parks to offer visitors, whether you’ve got some little ones in tow who want to explore their favorite TV franchises, or you’re a group of adults looking to get your adventure on. Visit a few of these amazing adventure parks as part of a larger Dubai vacation, and you’re set for the time of your life.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Dubai must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.  

☀️ Compare Dubai passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈ 

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A woman tries sandboarding down a Dubai desert dune
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Outdoor activities in Dubai you have to try

With temperatures during its coldest months still hitting lows of 16°C and daily highs of 24°C, Dubai has been attracting those seeking out winter warmth for years. And though images of this constituent part of the United Arab Emirates tend to focus on its modern architecture and air-conditioned malls, there are few limits to getting out and about into the fresh air and sunny skies. Let’s take a look at the outdoor activities in Dubai you won’t want to miss! Desert safaris A dream world of lofty dunes and wandering antelope, Dubai is one of the easiest places in the world to get out into the desert. Just a short drive will have you waving goodbye to the towers of downtown and gazing in wonder at expansive desert panoramas. Don’t worry about having no off-road skills though, there are plenty of guided desert safaris to choose between, combining the experience of capping the dunes in a 4x4 with some time on the back of a camel or sitting around the open fire of a Bedouin camp come evening. If you’re a morning person, you can swap the sunset for the sunrise, with hot air balloons drifting across this ethereal landscape as oryx and gazelles feel the first warmth of the new day. Sailing adventures Before the advent of international air travel, it was the seas and waterways around Dubai that were its lifeblood. Signs of its significance aren’t hard to find, from the design of the Burj Al Arab to the stumpy hand-carved trading vessels called dhow which still dock at wharves within Dubai Creek. Smaller abra remain a popular alternative to the metro system for transporting people between one side of the creek and the other. However, to fully discover the sparkling waters head out on an organized sightseeing tour of the creek or Dubai Marina. Green spaces Dubai may not be known for its parks, but know where to look and you’ll find small pockets perfectly suited for getting away from it all. When it was first inaugurated, Safa Park was on the outskirts of the city. Today its palms and public boating lake are at the heart of it all, with views facing back towards downtown and the Burj Khalifa. Facing downtown from the opposite direction is Zabeel Park, whose grasses also include Dubai Frame. Another alternative is Creek Park, whose length of almost three kilometers is covered in flowers and liberally sprinkled with benches. Amusement parks Straddling multiple past times, Global Village is part funfair and part market, sharing the traditions of 78 different cultures across 26 pavilions. Whilst the replicas of the leaning tower of Pisa and London’s Big Ben are impressive enough, many visitors come for the food alone, since there’s around 200 different stalls in all – a similar number to the dining options at Dubai Mall. For splashing around there’s a couple of great options, with La Mer’s Laguna Waterpark and Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm leading the way. At Laguna cabanas overlooking the Persian Gulf make it as easy to relax as it is to get the heart pumping with its Free Fall plunge and surf machine. Meanwhile Aquaventure mixes lazy river rides with the twisted slides of aquaconda and over 100 other water-based activities for all the family. Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing Take to the open top deck of a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus and let the most instaworthy of Dubai sights come to you without having to move from your seat. Stay onboard for the entire route and you’ll get two hours of commentary on attractions including Deira’s Gold Souk and downtown’s Burj Khalifa. Of course, there’s no better way to experience them than by seeing them for yourself. This is actually what a one day ticket allows you to do without having to pay any more to rejoin a later bus. Win-win. Beaches Beaches line Dubai’s coastline and are universally well-kept stretches of sand. Hitting their busiest on the weekends and during holiday periods (which does not include Christmas), they are also relatively popular on warmer evenings. Sundown at The Palm Jumeirah’s Palm West Beach is a particular favorite, since it gives visitors views of the setting sun. Its promenade’s 300 palms are lit up not long after, creating an attractive place for an evening stroll. At other times of day the beach hums with the sound of jet ski engines and speedboats towing inflatables, with wakeboards, efoils and flyboards all available too. Heritage village Created in 1997 but harking back to the time of Dubai’s earliest settlers, Al Shindagha district’s Heritage Village seeks to keep the emirate’s culture and tradition alive for future generations. It provides a space for visitors to explore traditional ways of life in the mountains, on the coast and in Dubai’s desert regions. A living museum, craftspeople such as potters and weavers sit within historic structures, whilst there’s also a functioning fishing village using age-old techniques to haul in the daily catch. Diving A much more modern approach to interacting with the region’s fish stocks is by snorkeling and scuba diving. Dubai itself is short of major dive sites, with Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo one of its top locations. On the plus side, Fujairah – another of the United Arab Emirates – has a number of sites and can be reached by road from Dubai in a couple of hours without having to worry about any passport formalities. Situated on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah has both natural and artificial coral reefs, with most tours taking divers to Dibba Rock, Martini Rock, Snoopy Island or Inchcape, where species including green turtles, black-tipped reef sharks and clownfish can be encountered. Enjoy the best outdoor activities in Dubai with Go City You don’t have to look too far to find fun in the sun on a trip to Dubai. Nor does it take much searching to find ways of receiving significant savings on admission to many of its top outdoor attractions, since Go City does just that! So whether it’s desert safaris, the amusement parks or diving opportunities, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the outdoor activities in Dubai you just have to try.
Ian Packham
A woman points to the opposite side of Dubai Creek
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The best neighborhoods in Dubai to explore

Often thought of as one seamless city of towering modern skyscrapers, Dubai is actually made up of a series of distinct neighborhoods. Each offers visitors something different, from historic mansions to what’s possibly the world’s most famous building – the Burj Khalifa. But which are the best neighborhoods in Dubai to explore? Where should you spend your time – downtown, Bur Dubai, d3 or somewhere else completely? A lot will depend on your interests, with this guide designed to help you decide. Downtown Dubai – the one not to miss It may be the neighborhood in Dubai not to miss, but you probably couldn’t even if you wanted to. At its center lies the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. A structure three times taller than the Eiffel Tower, it’s visible from 95 kilometers away. The emirate’s pride and joy, the Burj’s 124th and 125th floors contain the At The Top observation decks, standing more than 450 meters above the ground and providing unparalleled vistas through floor to ceiling windows. Return to ground level to take in Burj Lake at its best. Created by the same team behind the Bellagio’s fountains in Las Vegas, its jets dance to a jukebox’s worth of international hits every half an hour from 6PM, featuring stars including opera tenor Andrea Bocelli and king of pop Michael Jackson. Right next door is Dubai Mall, which continues the record-breaking theme of downtown by being the world’s largest. Take your pick of more than 1000 stores and 200 places to eat and drink before delving to the bottom of the Earth’s oceans at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Al Barsha – little known but with a huge personality Alongside Barsha Heights, Al Barsha doesn’t trip off the tongue like Dubai Marina or downtown, partly because a lot of it forms quiet low-rise residential dwellings. However, within its bounds you’ll find the Mall of the Emirates. Like Dubai Mall, it’s more than just a place to shop till you drop, being the home of the penguins and snow runs of Ski Dubai, totaling more than 22,000 square meters of indoor snow field in one of the hottest places on Earth. At the southern end of the Al Barsha neighborhood lies another climatic surprise, fittingly called the Miracle Garden. Rather less naturalistic than the other great botanic gardens of the world – there’s a giant topiary form of Mickey Mouse amongst other attractions – it still manages to elicit wows from most of its visitors, since there’s 250 million different plants to see, smell and touch. The same complex contains multiple climate-controlled domes forming an ideal habitat for around 15,000 butterflies belonging to 50 different regional and international species. Though thrilling in their own way, the need for an adrenaline rush can be met at IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park a short distance away. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm does the same with H2O being the overarching theme – swimwear is the order of the day. Dubai Marina – the best neighborhood in Dubai for nightlife & beaches Water is never far from the center of the action in Dubai, and nowhere epitomizes this better than Dubai Marina. A complex of cafés, stores and high-end apartment buildings edging a completely man made waterway, this traffic-free neighborhood is a good place to relax at any time of day. However, it really comes to life in the evening hours, when expatriate workers returning home take advantage of Dubai’s weather to enjoy a drink or two on an open terrace. One way to enjoy the marina from afar is to drift skyward in one of the plush gondolas of Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. Not to be outdone by the attractions in the other neighborhoods in Dubai, Ain Dubai towers over its international cousins, reaching a maximum height of 250 meters – equivalent to the height of a 75 story building. The wheel is best admired from the Marina’s beaches, facing out into the Persian Gulf. Waterside markets provide further purchase opportunities, whilst the shallows ring with the sound of children having the time of their lives. Cabanas and a range of water sports seal the deal for adults. Bur Dubai – for a sense of old Dubai Is Bur Dubai the coolest neighborhood in Dubai? That’s up to you to decide. Is it one of the best neighborhoods in Dubai to visit to experience its history and culture? There’s nowhere better. Disappearing into residential properties towards its southern end, focus your attention on its northern portions, bounded by Dubai Creek. Stroll along the attractive waterfront at any time of day to disappear back two centuries, or better yet, take to the waters of the creek by kayak to enjoy the sunset in the most evocative part of the city. But to take in one of Bur Dubai’s most important structures, Dubai Museum, you’ll have to stay on dry land. The museum is important not only for its collection of ethnographic objects but also because it occupies Dubai’s oldest building – the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787. Not far away a series of historic mansions have also been brought back to their former glory, with several converted into additional museums and public spaces. d3 – Dubai’s design district Tucked into a once unloved semi-industrial area of Dubai enclosed by some of the emirate’s busiest roads, d3 still has the feel of a local secret. The purpose-built home of all manner of independent creatives, its streets are dotted with works of public art and its buildings are crowded with stores, design houses and pop-up exhibitions. This makes d3 a neighborhood in Dubai to escape the hustle and bustle without having to give up those things that make Dubai so special and life worth living, from lazy cups of coffee to November’s Dubai Design Week. Discover Dubai’s neighborhoods with Go City Look beyond the Burj Khalifa and you’ll find neighborhoods in Dubai which tick every box going. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into amusement parks or beaches, history or design, Dubai has a neighborhood worth exploring. Travel with Go City and you can do this whilst saving huge amounts on admission to many of Dubai’s best-loved attractions – including the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa!
Ian Packham
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Things To Do In Palm Jumeirah During Your Trip to Dubai

In a city full of world record breaking wonders and awe-inspiring architecture, the man-made Palm Jumeirah stands out as one of Dubai's most intriguing and enticing areas for visitors and locals alike. Palm Jumeirah is an engineering and design feat, an oasis of luxury and entertainment on the Persian Gulf, situated on an island that resembles a palm tree. From shops, to hotels, to restaurants, and beach clubs the Palm offers something for everyone and is one of the best places in Dubai to relax and soak up the sun. We've drawn up a list of some of the most essential attractions and things to do in Palm Jumeirah on your visit to the Emirate, including: Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Standup Paddleboard Lesson Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah Windsurf Lesson Save on Palm Jumeirah Area Attraction Admission Admission to a number of these top Dubai attractions and activities are included on the Go Dubai Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Enjoy the scenic route to Palm Jumeirah via Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road to the island aboard the comfort and climate controlled environment of the Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour. This tour from Big Bus is among my favorite Dubai sightseeing tours and is hands-down one of the best ways to explore Dubai, especially for first timers. Your seat on the bus will give you a great view of the city as you make your way up the Palm trunk into the lush, beachy borders of Palm Jumeirah. The glass top of the bus allows you the perfect chance to snap photos while you avoid the sweltering heat. A particular benefit of this tour is the luxury of hopping on and off whenever you'd like so you can more fully take in the environment. Each tour includes commentary, background, and tourist narration in 12 different languages. You'll disembark from this tour feeling much more informed about the Emirate and its top landmarks. Getting In: Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Standup Paddleboard Lesson by SeaYou Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah by SeaYou Windsurf Lesson by SeaYou Remember to Save on Palm Jumeirah Attraction Admission There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do in Palm Jumeirah Dubai during your trip. Remember, many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Dubai Card, where you can save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Dubai vacation itinerary.
Lindsay Eagan

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