IMG theme park ride

Top Dubai Theme Parks - Popular Amusement Parks to Visit

Thrillseekers will love Dubai's myriad of adventurous activities.

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 SmurfsGhostbustersMadagascar, ShrekKung 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 GirlsAdventure TimeThe 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 ✈ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New Years Eve in Dubai
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New Years Eve in Dubai

Want to celebrate new year's eve somewhere exotic? Why not try the exciting entertainment found in Dubai? From extravagant galas to boat trips under the stars, whatever you do, it won't be a new year you'll soon forget! Here are our picks of the very best entertainment in Dubai this new year's eve! Including: Clubbing Fireworks Dinner cruises Desert adventures QE2 and more! Check out Dubai's club scene If you're feeling funky and need your new year's backed by a banging beat, then Dubai's got you more than covered. You'll find plenty of popping parties throughout the city, ensuring you'll ring in the new year with aplomb. Perhaps the biggest is at Atlantis, The Palm, where Aussie mega-star Kylie Minogue will take to the stage for a new year's bonanza. You can try and get her music out of your head, but you'll fail. Minogue'll be backed by a 30-piece band, and your night will be backed up by unlimited drinks and a buffet of caviar, lobster, and sushi. You know, the good stuff. Another alternative is Ce La Vi - the internationally renowned rooftop bar franchise. Their Dubai spot will have new year's shenanigans to rival any you'll find at sea level. Think DJs, live music, great drinks, and great views. Catch Dubai's NYE fireworks at Burj Khalifa Fireworks on new year's eve are traditional to many cultures across the globe, and in Dubai, it's no different. Every year, a stunning display of colorful gunpowder erupts across the city's skyline. And where better to watch it than at Burj Khalifa. But you needn't go to the top to make the most of it. Instead, thousands of tourists and locals alike accumulate around the base of the tower and the surrounding area to see in the new year. You'll find people congregated at Dubai Fountain, Umm Suqeim Park, and even Jumeira beach to see the show. Do turn up early, in case you struggle to find a spot. It's arguably Dubai's most popular new year's experience, so get there an hour or two before midnight. Ring in the new year on a luxury dinner cruise Of course, if you want to get the best views of the fireworks without shoulder-barging through crowds of people, why not wine, dine, and party on the water? You can do just that on some of Dubai's NYE luxury dinner cruises. You'll have plenty to choose from, each offering varying levels of luxury, added benefits, and even locations. But no matter which you choose to ride, you'll be in for a fun-filled New Year's Eve in Dubai! Sip drinks on the top deck as the fireworks shimmer on the water, then head below to dance the night away until the sun rises. The perfect way to tick off 'act like you're in a rap video' from your bucket list. Image courtesy of Pit Stock/Shutterstock Try a remote new year's eve on a desert safari experience If you want to forego crowds entirely, and fireworks aren't really your thing, how about an all-inclusive trip to Dubai's diamond desert for a more laid-back affair? Embark on an adventure in the dunes for one of the most unique new year's eve experiences in Dubai. Whether you want a laid-back evening of BBQ and entertainment or a more adrenaline-fuelled romp across the sand, you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Then, when the midnight bell tolls and the new year is upon us, feel free to venture back into town and catch some of the post-fireworks fun. Or just go to bed; it's completely up to you. Get swanky at Madinat Jumeirah If you're looking to upscale your new year's eve experience in Dubai, dress to the nines and book a ticket to the gala dinner at the famous Madinat Jumeirah resort. With live entertainment featuring fire dancers and musicians, and with unlimited bubbly to fill your glass, you'll feel like royalty. And, given the resort's location, you'll have first-class seats to the firework spectacle going on above! Rub shoulders with royalty at the QE2's Gala Dinner If you thought feeling like royalty was fun, wait until you board a vessel/hotel named after an actual monarch. That's right, the QE2, named after the late, great Queen Elizabeth II, is hosting an exclusive gala dinner on new year's eve. It's hardly surprising that this first-class vessel offers a first-class dining experience. Seven courses of the finest food and drink you'll find are followed by live music and dancing to ring in the new year. If that all sounds too opulent, they're hosting a tea party on the upper deck - just like Elizabeth would want. Either way, you'll have front-row seats to the fireworks. And fireworks are fun. Take it easy at La Mer Want to keep things low-key? Try visiting La Mer beach and check out the beachfront NYE festival. Perfect for kids - and bigger kids alike - you'll find tons of child-friendly entertainment to please the little ones. We're talking pettings zoos, carnival rides, live music, and a festive market, to name but a few. So you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to food and drink as well. And, as with many of the other choices here, you'll have a great spot to view the fireworks too. Go international at Global Dubai Village If you want to see how many cultures celebrate the new year under one roof, then Global Dubai Village is the perfect place to celebrate. Featuring New Year's Eve themes from over 70 countries, you'll need plenty of time to do the rounds. You'll find bargains at the market stalls, plenty of food and drink to keep the night going, and also entertainment from across the globe. There's really nothing quite like it, so if you want to experience something different this new year's eve in Dubai, then stop on by. And that's everything you need to know about new year's eve in Dubai! Want to make the most of your trip? Check out the very best of Dubai's entertainment with Go City. Pick an Explorer Pass or All-Inclusive Pass, and get everything for one low price!
Dom Bewley
dubai in september
Blog

Dubai in September

Howdy there, traveler! So you're planning a trip to Dubai, are you? This desert oasis draws visitors from all over, so you're in good company. But when do you plan to visit? Is September a good time to vacation in Dubai? Well, scroll down, browse our guide to Dubai in September, and see what you think! Including: Dubai weather in September VR fun Underwater adventure Spooky escape rooms and more! Dubai in September: What to Expect It's hot. Really hot. Surprising perhaps no one, September in Dubai isn't your typical fall month. Instead, it's merely the tail end of Dubai's long, long summer. But the tail end doesn't mean you're in for a cooler time. Not really. That's because temperatures in September reach highs of 100°F or more and lows of around 79°F. So prepare for extreme temperatures, or perhaps go another month where the heat is more manageable. However, if you insist on September, then there are certainly some things to bear in mind. Bring a big hat, pack a load of factor 50 sunscreen, and avoid direct sunlight at peak hours to avoid shriveling up like a toasted prune. With those caveats in mind, we've peppered our recommendations with both inside and outside fun. You are most welcome, friend. Dubai in September: What to Do Nighttime BBQ Shenanigans When temperatures are enough to cook eggs on your car, embrace your inner vampire and stick to the shadows instead. But why settle for small shadows when you can utilize the humungous shadow that is nighttime? With nary a ray of sun in sight, you'll be safe. And where better to explore in this newfound safety than the beautiful sand dunes outside the city? On this BBQ and entertainment trip to the desert, you'll do just that. You'll be escorted from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 to the dunes. Then, you'll reach a camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meats and veg. And refreshing drinks, of course. Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Catch a belly dancing show, partake in some sweet shisha, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad. Then, as things wind down, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel to sleep off all the success. This BBQ soiree in Dubai is perfect for those looking to make the most of the cooler September nights. Evening Landmark Adventure! One of the joys of vacationing in an exciting new place is exploring the region's landmarks. And you'll be thrilled to know that Dubai has heaps of awe-inspiring buildings all across its skyline. And, in the spirit of your newfound vampirism, why not go see those sighs at night on a magical evening bus tour? Be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai, and the city harbor. That way, you'll get enough snaps to show your colleagues around the watercooler, and dodge the worst of the sun in the process! Does that smell like a win? Because it sure smells like a win to us. Spooky Escapes Looking for any other excuses to escape the heat? Look no further than Dubai's terrifying escape rooms at No Way Out. Because when it's hot outside, nothing quite beats being chased around the place by an ax-wielding maniac in the comfort of air-conditioning. With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 friends will battle the clock, devious traps, puzzles, and contend with creepy actors playing their parts as they try and scare you senseless. And if that wasn't enough, you can even stay after your game and sit down for a bit of interactive horror cinema. Each show features wind, water, and other special effects that will assault your senses as you watch. But, be careful. You never know when one of the actors will be creeping right behind your seat. Marvelous and cool, thanks to the aforementioned air-con. Explore sunny locales at a safe distance Another way to beat the heat is to simply travel to another realm. But how can that be? Aren't you firmly stuck in this reality? Well, not quite. Thanks to VR Park Dubai, alternate realities are just a headset away. Visitors, or adventurers, if you will, are welcome to immerse themselves in 7 games over the course of four hours. Suit up, slip your headset on, pick your poison, and play away. Can you make your way out of the VR Maze? Can you stop the robot uprising in Robocom? You can even challenge your friends or family to competitive games, including sports, platforming, and puzzle-solving genres. The perfect answer to an abrasively warm afternoon, explore virtual reality and see what all the buzz is about! Explore life beneath the surface And finally, let's end our cool list of sun-dodging goodness with perhaps the best escape of all - a journey beneath the oceans. And where better to find such an escape than at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo? You'll start your adventure in the aquarium's massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be able to see all sorts of aquatic species going about their day. Sharks, rays, and other exotic species will be swimming right above your head, and may even approach you if you're not too scary looking. Perfect for photo ops, as well as a strangely serene stroll, it's a one-of-a-kind experience in Dubai, and well worth a visit. After you've wandered along the tunnel, you'll reach the Underwater Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with tons of exotic fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic wonders. You'll meet spider crabs, otters, piranhas, penguins, and other colorful characters. Delightful, and a great way to escape September heat in Dubai! And that just about wraps our guide to Dubai in September! If you dare face the sun head-on and are looking for some outside activities, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. Yes, even the shadeless bits for all you thick-skinned boys and girls!
Dom Bewley

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