Dubai Parks and Resorts reopens with new attractions and live shows

Dubai Parks and Resorts has reopened its gates after a closure that lasted over six months, introducing new attractions and live shows to enhance visitor experience. The destination welcomed back guests on October 7, with attractions like Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai Resort, and The World of Riverland. Fernando Eiroa, the chief executive of Dubai Holding Entertainment, revealed that the reopening plans were driven by customer feedback.

Every year, the company holds discussions with visitors to identify areas for improvement, which directly influence their decisions regarding attractions, live entertainment, and dining options.

Riverland, the destination’s dining and entertainment district, now boasts 14 attractions. Among the new additions are bowling and Lamborghini racing simulators, allowing visitors to test their driving abilities on virtual tracks. These activities complement other offerings such as go-karting, archery, axe-throwing, and mini golf. Motiongate Dubai is also set to introduce new live shows alongside its Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions.

Real Madrid World allows guests to showcase their football skills, take penalties, play basketball, and engage in friendly competitions against fellow visitors. Eiroa emphasized the importance of immersion in the experience, stating that participants must "sweat a little bit to enjoy the experience." Dinosaur-themed glamping, known as T-Rex Glamping, which debuted last year, is returning as part of the new season.

This campsite features themed tents and animatronic dinosaurs with moving tails, lifelike eyes, and calls, creating an authentic prehistoric atmosphere. Eiroa highlighted the appeal of T-Rex Glamping as it combines the campsite experience with entertainment, extending the activities beyond a mere park visit.

The company is also refreshing concerts, restaurants, and cultural offerings at Global Village as it prepares for the next season. Eiroa noted that Dubai's reputation for theme parks and entertainment has flourished over the past five to six years, bolstering its appeal beyond just hotels, restaurants, and hospitality. Comparing Dubai's growth to that of Orlando and Los Angeles, he emphasized that the development of theme parks and attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is attracting international visitors to the UAE.

While Dubai residents constitute an essential part of the business, the company continues to strive for a balanced mix of domestic and international visitors.

Dubai Holding Entertainment is also pursuing a strategy to bundle various attractions, enabling visitors to experience multiple destinations during a single trip. Through their Truly Amazing campaign, the company is uniting attractions such as Global Village, Dubai Parks and Resorts, The Green Planet, Roxy Cinemas, and The View at The Palm.

Eiroa concluded that visitors typically visit Dubai to explore its attractions rather than attend a cinema, underscoring the city's strong position as an entertainment powerhouse in the region.