Best Amusement Parks in Dubai

Spending your holiday season in Dubai is always a delight. Top it all up with the glamour of Dubai Mall, the maze of super wide highways, luxury cars and all glorious skyscrapers, and you have got yourself a very sweet deal. But planning for your trip is not just about buying the necessities and good travel insurance. You also need to plan the activities that you would like to enjoy on your vacation. One such thing that can make your dream vacation glorious is the out-of-the-world theme parks of Dubai. It is no wonder that Dubai is filled with some of the best and most adventurous theme parks in the world, given that it is one of the top cities with varied cultural hubs. This piece attempts to cover the top 11 best theme parks in Dubai inclusive of waterparks, indoor ski ranges and slopes, adventure parks and some very unique parks of its own.

Best Amusement Parks in Dubai

1. IMG World of Adventure

The largest and the best theme park in Dubai, IMG World of Adventure is the ideal way to get yourself some themed adventures in the city of skyscrapers. There are six different kinds of adventure zones in IMG World based on different, equally exciting themes from around the world. The adventure themes you can find in IMG World include Cartoon Network, Marvel, Lost Valley, The Haunted Hotel, Novo Cinemas and IMG Boulevard. Rides, movies, dining, trying different cuisines, shopping, and meet and greet are just some of the things that can you do at IMG World. Needless to say, all the rides, just like everything else at IMG World, are themed and filled with an extra dose of fun. From Hulk Explosion to Ben 10 5D Hero Time ride, there is something for every age group and interest. Arabic, Italian, Indian and Chinese are some of the many cuisines available in the IMG World. Both private and corporate events can be held at IMG World. There are also themed stores for you to get souvenirs here. Countless other things make IMG World the best amusement park in Dubai, loved by visitors, residents and citizens alike.

There is free parking at the park with a valet parking service available. ATMs, First Aid, wheelchair hiring services and stroller hire services are also available here. The park is open all year, Noon to 9 PM from Saturdays to Wednesday and Noon to 10 PM on Thursdays and Fridays. General single entry tickets are available at AED 335, the VIP package is AED 7350 and the annual membership pass of the park is AED 525.

2. Motiongate Dubai

Another wild ride in the heart of Dubai, Motiongate Dubai is a pure delight for all Hollywood, Smurfs and Fright Night lovers. Motiongate Dubai is the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the country, making it one of the top-ranked in the list of the best amusement parks in Dubai. It is best known for its motion stimulator shows and Hollywood-themed rides and events. Fright nights are another attraction that you would not want to miss out on when visiting Motiongate. Smurf Studio tours and village express, Hotel Transylvania, Ghostbusters, Swamp Celebration, and Shrek’s Merry Fairy Tale Journey are some of the options you can consider. If you are someone who likes roller coasters as much as the next person, then Madagascar mad Pursuit and Zombieland Blast-Off are great choices for you to try. Motion simulator shows have options like Underworld 4D, Kung Fu Panda and Panem Aerial Tour. The action never ends in Motiongate with endless water slides and fright nights.

Motiongate is open from 11 AM to 8 PM from Saturday to Wednesday and from 11 AM to 9 PM on Thursdays and Fridays. Tickets start with AED 195 and go up to AED 995 as per the package you choose. Breakout Wednesdays are available at AED 195 and Motiongate Dubai Day Tickets are available at AED 275. The VIP annual pass is available at AED 995.

3. LEGOLAND Dubai

Just what the name suggests, LEGOLAND Dubai is heaven for all LEGO lovers out there. While funky rides are one thing that LEGOLAND comes with, there are events and playhouses to help your little ones learn while having fun. Build & Test for building LEGO racecars, Rescue Academy to develop teamwork skills and fire hazard awareness, and Junior driving school to get your kids some early lessons on road safety are just a few of the many things that you can opt for. Apart from learning, Pharos’s Revenge, Dragon’s Apprentice, Kid Power Tower and LEGO Master Builder Academy are the rides and events to go for some fun. LEGO Studios 4D shows LEGO movies with a few special effects making them even more fun. Joker Soaker, Slide Racers, Splash Safari, Splash N’ Swirl, etc. are some of the water rides you can enjoy at LEGOLAND.

LEGOLAND Hotel is an upcoming attraction you can look forward to in LEGOLAND. LEGOLAND, one of the best theme parks in Dubai, is closed on Tuesdays while LEGOLAND Waterpark is closed on Wednesdays. LEGOLAND Dubai is open from 10 AM to 6 PM and LEGOLAND Waterpark is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. LEGOLAND Dubai and Waterpark day ticket is AED 220 each, while the combo tickets for both can be bought at AED 235. LEGOLAND Theme Park annual pass is AED 395, while the combo annual pass for the waterpark and the theme park is AED 495.

4. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

This is one of the best amusement parks in Dubai and the largest waterpark in the world, with a record 79 different types of slides and a 1-kilometer-long private beach. There is possibly nothing that you will not find here that any water-lover would want, whether it is a date with water animals, a walk through the aquarium or diving and other watersports. Odyssey terror, shockwave, blackout, vortex and the leap of faith are some of the most amazing waterslides you will ever experience in a waterpark. The slides are rated as per the thrill level, so you can easily pick a slide as per the level of adrenaline rush you want. Other kinds of water fun you can look forward to are the river experience and the beach knockout. Animal interaction can be done at Dolphin Bay, where you get to slide into the water and meet these beautiful animals in person. Not to mention you can take as many pictures as you like. Water sports like diving and snorkelling are conducted under the expert guidance of trained professionals. There is something available for visitors with every level of experience, making it a top pick for the best theme parks in Dubai.

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark offers different kinds of experiences as per your choice. There are a couple of packages, a bucket list package to help you complete some amazing tasks, party people, a foodie package, fun in the sun and the royal experience. Corporate meetings, personal parties and weddings can be held here as well. The day passes for this waterpark cost AED 199 while the super pass cost AED 229. Annual passes can also be bought at AED 990. The price for the tickets changes as per the activity you choose at the waterpark. These activities can include visiting the aquariums, the Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point, diving sites, etc.  

5. Dubai Bollywood Parks

Bollywood parks of Dubai are a wonderful addition to the best amusement parks in Dubai list and need no introduction. It is exactly what you expect from the name – theme parks with a heavy dose of Bollywood charm and action all the way from India. The very first thing you will notice as you enter the Bollywood parks of Dubai are the cultural shows and dances from different regions of India. Kathakali, Tiger Dance and Bhangra, and many more cultural dances are already up and about to welcome you in style. Bollywood movie-themed games and rides are available all over this theme park. You get to play cricket matches like in the movie Lagaan, dine in a Namaste London-themed restaurant, watch RA. One in 3D, and ride the Bollywood SkyFlyer. There are several gift shops filled with relics and unique souvenirs from India representing the exotic cultural vibes of the country. You can find beautiful jhumkas, dreamcatchers and a lot more to take back with you. Several stage shows and movies featuring several Bollywood classics like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Don, etc. are also screened. If you are a Bollywood fanatic, then Bollywood Parks are the best amusement parks in Dubai for you to spend some time.

Bollywood parks of Dubai are open 12 PM to 9 PM from Saturdays to Wednesdays and 12 PM to 10 PM on Thursdays and Fridays. Corporate, private, school, and several other kinds of events are open to being scheduled here. Parking is free at all Bollywood Dubai parks and resorts, and valet parking is available at AED 100. Annual pass holders can enjoy all kinds of parking free of cost. Vehicle assistance and parking facilities for disabled people are some other facilities that are also available here. A one-day pass is available at AED 220, while the annual pass can be availed at AED 395.

6. Riverland Dubai

If something different is your cup of tea, Riverland Dubai is the perfect pick from the list of the best amusement parks in Dubai for you to explore. A real, 1-kilometer-long river connects all the things and outlets at Riverland Dubai. It is divided into four different parts – The Peninsula, India Gate, Boardwalk and The French Village. All four parts represent a unique time and space. The Peninsula is a show of the industrial side of the world combined with impressive architecture and art from around the world. The French Village is the place where you can explore the land and time of queens, kings and fairies. The Boardwalk is stalked with glamour and glitz with a healthy dose of rock n’ roll from the bests of the world. Finally, India Gate is a passageway through the different colors of Asia and the Indian peninsula. You will find music, aromas, and culture from the biggest continent of the world. All four of these parts have their own shopping areas. The included shops and stores are I Heart Dubai, Dubai Duty-Free, Maharaja gift store, Gallery One, etc. Riverland Dubai is a very popular place for various personal and corporate events too. Yet again, there are four different choices of spaces for you – the Island Plaza, the Encore Multi-Purpose Venue, the Riviera Plaza and the Boardwalk Plaza. Different themes and backgrounds make all four of these venues one-of-a-kind places for your special moments.

Entry to Riverland Dubai is free for all. Food and drinks bought in the park are to be paid for at the outlets. There are 57 different restaurants at the park. The spaces and venues to be booked for events come at a price though. Riverland Dubai is open from 10 AM to 1 AM every day.

7. Wild Wadi Waterpark

All waterslides-loving folks are sure to have the time of their life at Wild Wadi, probably the second-best theme park in Dubai. The rides here are equally exciting, if not more, as some of the best roller coaster rides you may have experienced in your life. And not to mention, there is a water-themed roller coaster at the park too. Apart from that, there are river-like pools to swim and play, play slides and structures for kids to enjoy, surfing ranges, a lazy river area to relax, and a spin and spiral range to make things a little more exciting. You can get costumes from the shops available at the park and get a photoshoot done in outfits like mermaid costumes. Wild Wadi shopping area sells souvenirs, themed merchandise, and other related items. Day-to-day essential things can also be bought at the waterpark retail shop area. In addition to that, the staff of the park takes photos of their own, which you can collect at the entrance of the park when you are done with your day of fun.

A general one-day ticket for people taller than 1.1 meters is AED 269. People shorter than 1.1 meters can get their tickets at AED 239. Tickets bought online are AED 259 for 1.1 meters and taller people and AED 199 for the other group. Folks staying at select locations can get complimentary access to the waterpark. Locker and towels can also be rented at the waterpark itself. The park is open every day apart from Mondays.

8. Ferrari World Theme Park

All car enthusiasts must take some time out for the famous Ferrari World Theme Park of Dubai. From driving around in luxury sports cars to enjoying shows and dining, there is nothing that you cannot find here. Ferrari world is one of the best amusement parks in Dubai for all race car lovers where different ‘zones’ are made for your enjoyment. This includes The Welcome Plaza that can be used for special events, the Family Zone to enjoy sports cars with your loved ones, F1 Zone for racing lovers, Italian Zones where you will be able to experience the charm of the home of Ferrari, and the Adventure Zone for exciting rides and adrenaline rush. Rides available here are divided for fast fun and family fun. Children can ride certain rides if they pass the height restrictions and other safety measures. Ferrari-inspired shows and fine dining after the long thrilling rides is the perfect way to end a day filled with fun. There are four different outlets you can choose from when it comes to food and dining.

This wholesome experience is available for AED 295 as a single-day pass. An annual pass for Ferrari World Theme Park can be bought for AED 695. Group bookings can be made as per the events and the price can be discussed as and when the occasion arises. Birthday parties can also be held for children up to 16 years of age.

9. Dubai Global Village

Take shopping, cultural meets and dining experience to the next level with Dubai Global Village. It combines different cultures from the world in one place that can be enjoyed while you go through a bunch of exciting adventures. Wonders of Week are featured weekly, where different groups put on performances and shows. Cartoons, Bollywood-themed dance performances and shows, circus, pop dances and musical performances are some of the different things you can experience here. Pavilions from different countries are put up at Dubai Global Village. You can find unique gifts and other similar items shops set up in the pavilions of each country in this gem from the list of best theme parks in Dubai. There are selfie spots for you to take some memorable moments home with you too. Restaurants and cafés are no different too. Flavors from all over the world can be found and tasted here at Dubai Global Village. And do not forget the famous Indian street food filled with savory and sweet delights.

Other things you can enjoy here include rides and games at the carnival, museums, Ripley’s special shows and Peter Rabbit Adventure Zone. The park is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 4 PM to 12 AM and on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 PM to 1 AM. Ladies and family special day is hosted every Monday. The entry ticket to the park cost only AED 15.

10. The Arcade by Hub Zero

If you are a gamer, Hub Zero is hands down the best amusement park in Dubai for you. While the original Hub Zero, which was located in the City Walk, is no longer functional, a new version has opened to give the gamers what they really need on a vacation – more chances to play knockout games. The Arcade is located at the Al Khawaneej Walk in Dubai and opened in September 2020. Graffiti-laden walls, signs glimmering with neon lights, and world-class games are just a few of the many things you can find here at The Arcade. Gamers can also look forward to experiencing artificial intelligence, virtual reality and motion capture tech. Whether it is sports, retro or pop culture games that you like, there is something for everyone here. Dining and other facilities are designed as a part of the Al Khawaneej Walk and can be used as required. The Arcade is open from 10 AM to 10 PM from Saturdays to Wednesdays and stays open till midnight on Thursdays and Fridays. The tickets cost as per the games you play individually. When you spend AED 100 or more on games in The Arcade, you can score free Diamond or Silver tickets for Roxy cinemas.

11. VR Park Dubai  

Yet another one-of-a-kind existence and a gem from the list of best theme parks in Dubai, the VR Park Dubai is the largest VR park in the world. Visitors get to enjoy augmented reality here at the VR Park. There are over 24 different shows in virtual reality you can enjoy where reality, as we know it today, ceases to exist. For example, Dubai Drone takes you on a ride of what it will be like to be in Dubai in 2050. There are flying taxis and more. Each experience you go through is designed uniquely and in a way to ensure that the fun doesn’t end. Other VR experiences here include the Dune Bash, Burj Drop, Magic Bikes, Stealth, Flying Chairs, Cozmojet, SpeedWay, Active Zone, Beat Saber, Drifters, Hologate, etc. The VR Park Dubai is open from 10 AM to 10 PM from Sunday to Thursday and 10 AM to 12 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. You can get an entry here at only AED 200.

The Final Verdict

The best thing about theme parks is that they come in all shapes and sizes. Be it waterparks that you enjoy the most or something different like virtual reality, there is something for every taste and preference. Just make sure that you have noted every important detail about the best theme parks in Dubai that you want to visit. Check which rides are open for the season and the available shows as well. Also, ensure that you have good travel insurance in UAE. Plan well so that you do not have to spend even a single minute worrying about the details of your vacation.