Dubai: A theme park destination
Over the past few years, Dubai has been working on a new agenda to attract new market segments. Unveiling the much-awaited MOTIONGATE™ Dubai this month will definitely drive this new segment of travellers to Dubai, reveals John Hallenbeck, General Manager
QDo give us an insight into the theme park industry?
The theme park industry is still growing in the Middle East with a huge potential to benefit the economy. There are three billion people that live within a four-hour flight of the UAE, and there is a significant gap in this market for a world-class family leisure and entertainment destination and as the region’s largest integrated theme park destination, we are positioned to meet this demand.
QCould you share the unique offerings of MOTIONGATE?
MOTIONGATE™ Dubai is a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts which is an AED13.2 billion development spread across 30.6 million square feet of land. Dubai Parks and Resorts’ projected revenue in the first full year of operation is estimated at AED2.4 Billion.
It is the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East and unites three legendary film studios for the first time in a theme park environment – Sony Pictures Studios including the
Smurfs, DreamWorks Animation and Lionsgate. Spread across five uniquely themed zones, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai will feature 27 immersive rides and attractions, plus 15 live entertainment experiences – all inspired by 13 Hollywood blockbuster films including Ghostbusters, Zombieland, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Smurfs and The Hunger Games.
Other ‘world firsts’ include the first-ever theme park attractions inspired by
The Hunger Games, the firstever live stage show inspired by the Step Up hit dance franchise and the world’s first theme park attraction inspired by the Ghostbusters. Families can also experience the world’s first Smurfs-themed roller coaster.
QWhere the park is at currently in terms of completion?
With the park opening mid-December, the park is undergoing finishing touches. Rides are currently being tested, all of our teams from park operations, guest services to ticketing are currently going through intense training, our shops are being stocked up with merchandise and our restaurants and kitchens are testing their menus.
QHow are the tickets and annual passes priced at? Are there any special rates for various kinds of travellers?
Visitors can purchase a daily ticket for AED330 for adults and AED280 for children and senior citizens, respectively. MOTIONGATE™ Dubai is wheelchair accessible, and we have made provisions to ensure that guests can enjoy the vast majority of our attractions. For the ultimate theme park experience, guests can purchase the Annual Pass at AED865 – equating to less than three adult visits to the park, and offering a host of exclusive perks.
QWill there be special rates for travel agents and tour operators?
Our travel and trade partners are a key stakeholder group for MOTIONGATE™ Dubai and we are working on a tailored programme to ensure they are recognised. We are working on a program, details of which will be released soon.
QWhat are the strategies used to gain more business to the parks and what expansion plans are in the pipeline.
Once complete, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai will occupy 1.9 million sq ft of a total 4 million for planned expansion, so in the future, guests can expect more of their favourite Hollywood films being brought to life as rides, attractions, live entertainment and dining experiences. These plans will be revealed in due time. Throughout the year, we will also be hosting events throughout the year, bringing a renewed experience for residents and offering additional value and entertainment for visiting guests.
Our travel and trade partners are a key stakeholder group for MOTIONGATE™ Dubai and we are working on a tailored program to ensure they are recognised. We are working on a program, details of which will be released soon