IAAPA charts development of UAE attractions

In advance of the 2016 Asian Attractions Expo (AAE), the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has been charting the development of attractions in the United Arab Emirates.

According to IAAPA’s Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook Report 2015-2019, the Middle East wants to become a major destination for tourists, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the principle driver. 

New hotels, parks, and attractions are currently under construction in the Emirate, primarily in Dubai.

According to the 2015-2019 Outlook Report the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to be the fastest growing over the next five years. 

Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park, Dubai
Legoland Dubai features more than 40 interactive rides, shows, and attractions and 15,000 Lego model structures made from over 60 million Lego bricks. 

When it opens in October, Legoland Dubai will offer six themed lands: Lego City, Adventure, Kingdoms, Imagination, Factory, and Miniland while the Legoland Water Park will offer visitors more than 20 water slides, each with its own experience, including the highly anticipated ‘Build-A-Raft River’ where children of all ages can customise their own raft using Lego soft bricks, before floating around a 10-metre-long lazy river.

For more information go to www.legoland.com/dubai 

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Opened in March, Flying Aces, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s new roller coaster is inspired by Italy’s Count Francesco Baracca, a famous Italian aviator of the 1900s who painted the Prancing Horse emblem, the Cavallino logo, on his Biplane. Riders will experience a 52 metre-tall loop, 51-degree cable lift, and 10 zero-G moments. The ride can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. 

For more information go to www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com 

Motiongate Dubai
The Hollywood-themed Motiongate Dubai brings to the United Arab Emirates entertainment from three of the largest motion picture studios: Sony Pictures Studios, DreamWorks Animation, and Lionsgate. The 176,515 metre² area has 27 rides and attractions inspired by 13 Hollywood films. 

The park, which is due to open in October, is divided in five distinct zones: Studio Central, Sony Pictures Studios, DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and Smurfs Village. There are themed restaurants and many quick service outlets, and 15 retail shops. 

For more information go to www.motiongatedubai.com 

Bollywood Parks Dubai
Guests at the new guests enjoy at the new Bollywood Parkin Dubau can expect cinematic simulation rides, blockbuster attractions, extravagant live shows when it opens in October. The park offers 16 rides and attractions, fine dining and street food, party venues, numerous shopping outlets, and five movie-themed areas with movie-themed areas including: Bollywood Boulevard, Mumbai Chowk, Rustic Ravine, Royal Plaza, and Bollywood Film Studios featuring Hall of Heroes. 

For more information go to www.bollywoodparksdubai.com/en 

Riverland Dubai, Dubai
Also opening in October, the new Riverland Dubai outlet features four unique themed zones, including The French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Peninsula. These areas feature dining, retail, and entertainment options for visitors to enjoy. The complex is more than 20 metre² and and offers more than 50 restaurants and retail shops. 

For more information go to www.dubaiparksandresorts.com 

Bluewaters Island, Dubai
Located off the coast of Dubai's Jumeirah Beach, the Bluewaters Island development features a giant Ferris wheel that includes 48 luxury capsules capable of holding 1,400 visitors. 

The attraction will offer riders views of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, including Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa. Additionally, an 80 metre LED-screen is mounted on the wheel to broadcast movies, advertisements, and interactive information. The area around the wheel is a promenade with dining and retail stores. Bluewaters Island will also add a boutique, five-star hotel to this area. 

For more information go to www.meraas.com/Pages/blue.aspx 

IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai
The new IMG Worlds of Adventure indoor theme park (pictured below) will be divided into four zones each based on a different theme. It contains various leisure attractions, including roller coasters, a 5-D cinema, and several retail areas and restaurants. 

For more information go to www.imgwoa.ae/en 

Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier international event for the multibillion-dollar Asian attractions industry. 

In 2016, AAE will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from 13th to 16th June.

More than 8,000 attractions industry professionals from more than 65 countries are expected to participate in the 2016 event.

Click here for more information on AAE 2016 in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Top image shows the Ferris wheel at Bluewater Island.

26th February 2016 - FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI OPENS RECORD-BREAKING FLYING ACES COASTER

13th February 2016 - DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS ON TRACK TO OPEN IN OCTOBER 2016

1st September 2015 - DUBAI THEME PARK FIRM TO CREATE OVER 1,000 JOBS FOR UAE NATIONALS 

29th June 2015 - THEME PARKS IN DUBAI SET TO ATTRACT REVENUES CLOSE TO US$5 BILLION BY 2020 

23rd June 2015 - UAE LEISURE SECTOR TO ATTRACT 45 MILLION VISITORS BY 2021

23rd April 2015 - MERLIN AGREES DEAL TO DEVELOP LEGOLAND WATERPARK IN DUBAI   

27th August 2014 - DUBAI UNVEILS FLOATING WHEELCHAIRS FOR BEACHGOERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

24th August 2014 - WOMEN-ONLY BEACH OPENS IN ABU DHABI

19th August 2014 - UNDERCOVER DUBAI POLICE ARREST MORE THAN 20,000 BEACHGOERS IN TWO YEARS 

26th July 2014 - DUBAI’S LATEST LEISURE DEVELOPMENTS

16th May 2014 - NEW DUBAI BRAND TO HELP REACH TARGET OF 20 MILLION ANNUAL VISITS

7th May 2014 - DUBAI STATES AMBITION TO BECOME WORLD’S MOST VISITED CITY 

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