Riverland entertainment and food venue set to wow Dubai
DUBAI // Not only will it be the gateway to three of Dubai’s newest parks, which will be open by December, but Riverland will be one of the emirate’s newest dining and entertainment destinations when it opens next week.
Set in the heart of Legoland, Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood theme park, the food and entertainment centre will, its owners believe, draw both residents and tourists.
Riverland will have 40 food and beverage outlets, live entertainment and music.
Guests can experience Medieval France in the French Village with its cobbled walkways; 1950s America in the Boardwalk; 1930s India at India Gate; and turn-of-the-century France at The Peninsula.
Marcel Hendriks, Riverland’s general manager, remembered the team of 20 breaking ground and placing a small red flag at the spot that would become the destination’s entrance.
“It’s been very fast-paced for a project of this size,” he said.
The attraction will be free of charge to enter, and Mr Hendriks said it would be for tour- ists and residents. “We think people will come here even if they’re not going to the parks. It’s outdoors, so where would you rather go to – a mall or here – where the whole family can be outside,” he said.
A lot of work went into details, and the team behind the French village travelled to France to replicate imperfections in buildings, while 300- year- old olive trees were brought in.
Neon lights are prohibited to ensure authenticity.
While Riverland and Legoland open on Monday, Bollywood will open on November 15, along with Lapita hotel and the Legoland water park and, soon after, Motiongate on December 16.
Vinit Shah, chief strategy and business development officer at DXB Entertainments PJSC, the owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts, said its appeal will go beyond tourism. “With Dubai Parks and Resorts’ location on Sheikh Zayed Road opposite the Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai, the 30.6 million square feet destination is equidistant to Dubai and Abu Dhabi international airports.”