Among the hidden gems of fascinating Dubai is a theme park that not only delivers an incredible dose of thrills to its visitors but also takes them on an extraordinary journey through the world of cinema.
Motiongate Dubai is one of six theme parks that make up the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex. It is the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East. Opened on December 16, 2016, it has been attracting thousands of fun-seeking visitors every day since. Motiongate Dubai is particularly appealing to families, as both children and adrenaline-seeking adults will find plenty to enjoy.
Motiongate Dubai in a nutshell
Motiongate Dubai offers a whopping 29 exciting rides and attractions, along with a unique chance to meet characters straight out of the movies. The park is divided into six zones. After passing through the dining and commercial zone of Studio Central, you can catch performances at the Hollywood Theatre, and if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll likely find yourself in the Smurfs Village. However, it’s the other three zones that draw the biggest fan base. At Motiongate Dubai, productions from three Hollywood giants – legendary film studios DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate – come together, with attractions based on their hit movies bringing in the most visitors.
Studio Central
To embark on your cinematic adventure, simply take the first step into Studio Central. This is the heart of the entire park, transporting guests to Hollywood’s golden age, allowing them to feel like stars on a film set. This zone offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into filmmaking, revealing the magic of the silver screen. Studio Central isn’t just a perfect introduction to the rest of the park but also a fantastic backdrop for shopping and grabbing a meal between adventures.
DreamWorks
The comedic scenes from films like “Shrek”, “Madagascar”, or “Kung Fu Panda” bring laughter to everyone, regardless of age. What connects these films? Of course, they were all produced by DreamWorks Studios, founded by Steven Spielberg. The DreamWorks zone in Motiongate Dubai is the largest area in the park, offering visitors a total of 12 attractions.
You’ll meet the famous ogre, Shrek, who will show you his quirky forest home and teach you how to surf on mud bubbles. But that’s not all – the zone is filled with beloved characters. Hiccup and Toothless take entire families on water cannon battles and dragon-back rides, while the lovable panda Po invites you to his martial arts academy, where you can learn moves that will come in handy during a fight alongside the Furious Five. For all age groups, there are also carousels and rides inspired by the playful “The Penguins of Madagascar”.
Lionsgate
Excitement also abounds in the Lionsgate-inspired zone, especially for fans of “The Hunger Games” series. A special roller coaster will shoot you straight into the heart of the Capitol, while a 4D hovercraft motion simulator lets you explore the nation of Panem up close. If you’re in the mood for a change of scene, hop onto the High Roller ride to assist the Four Horsemen from Now You See Me in their next thrilling heist, or take a speedy roller coaster ride into the world of John Wick.
Columbia Pictures
The eight exceptional attractions in this zone will transport you straight into the world of well-known Columbia Pictures productions. Did your kids have a blast watching “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”? If so, they’ll love the river expedition and a visit to Flint’s imagination laboratory. Equally exciting is the journey through Hotel Transylvania and the thrilling battle for New York alongside the “Ghostbusters”. For older adventurers, there’s the “Underworld” simulation, the high-speed Green Hornet roller coaster, or a 58-meter drop tower offering the only refuge from a zombie attack.
Smurfs Village
If you want to experience the world of the Smurfs, you don’t need to sit in front of the TV. It’s better to visit Motiongate Dubai. This zone of the theme park will especially delight the youngest visitors, where they’ll meet the beloved blue creatures in person. In Smurfs Village, kids can also enjoy a wooden playground, discover the secrets of the smurfberry factory, and, as long as Gargamel doesn’t get in the way, take a fun ride through the entire village.
Hollywood Theatre
For the biggest fans of Hollywood, there’s a special place that doesn’t fit into any of the other sections. Hollywood Theatre is a true celebration of vibrant Hollywood cinema, drawing audiences into captivating live performances, colorful shows, and magical experiences. If you’re ready for beautiful emotions, impressive choreography, and mesmerizing visual effects, you won’t want to miss stopping by this area.
Other Attractions at Dubai Parks and Resorts
While Motiongate Park in Dubai is sure to provide a full day of fun, if you’re spending more time in the area, it’s worth considering a visit to the other parks and attractions within Dubai Parks and Resorts. Kids will especially enjoy JumpX, the largest inflatable park in the world, or the space-themed Neon Galaxy. There’s also something special for LEGO fans, and those who love charming villages and Instagram-worthy views will be enchanted by Riverland Dubai. If you buy tickets online, for example, through this site, you can choose a one-day pass for two parks within Dubai Parks and Resorts and receive a small discount.
Practical information
- It is best to purchase tickets for the Motiongate Theme Park in Dubai in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long lines and reduce the risk of tickets being sold out.
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
