The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a hub for world-class entertainment. While majorly known for its stunning skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls, the UAE is home to some of the world’s most iconic amusement and water parks. With thrilling roller coasters, huge water slides, interactive games and family-friendly attractions, these theme parks provide unique escape that combines fantasy, speed, and fun. Whether you enjoy fast-paced action, hands-on gaming experiences, or simply seeking to relax in wave pools, there is something for all ages and interests. In this blog, let’s discover the best theme parks in the UAE and everything else you need to plan fantastic family excursions!
10 Iconic Theme Parks in UAE That You Must Visit
Here’s a list of the most popular theme parks to visit in the UAE for unforgettable family outings:
1. MOTIONGATE™ Dubai
Looking forward to a day of family fun and cinematic thrills? MOTIONGATE™ Dubai is the destination for you, especially if you are a die-hard fan of Hollywood shows and movies. Located within Dubai Parks and Resorts, this adventure park brings Hollywood to the UAE with zones inspired by major studios like DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures. Visitors can battle ghosts with the Ghostbusters and fly with the dragons from How to Train Your Dragon. The park features 27 rollercoaster rides, including the Hunger Games' Capitol Bullet Train and Madagascar Mad Pursuit. It also has two toddler play areas, 7 restaurants, and 15 gift shops for families.
Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays
Ticket Price Range: 295 AED per person (Day Ticket)
2. IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai’s largest indoor theme park, is your ultimate escape from the scorching heat of the desert city! Spanning over 17,172 square feet, the park is divided into five zones, namely Marvel, Cartoon Network, The Haunted Hotel, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, and IMG Boulevard. The rides at IMG World range from high-speed roller coasters like The Velociraptor and The Powerpuff Girls to gentle slides, bumper cars and bouncers for younger children. Don't forget to try Hulk Epsilon Base 3D, Spider-Man Doc Ock's Revenge, and Ben 10 5D Hero Time for immersive experience.
Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Best Time to Visit: Evenings
Ticket Price Range: Starts from AED 365 per person
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3. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
If you are a motorsport fan or a car lover, you cannot miss Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park! Opened in 2010, the theme park features 40 thrilling rides, advanced racing simulators, and family-friendly activities in stunning scenery of Yas Island. It is home to the fastest roller coaster on the planet, Formula Rossa, which takes you to a height of 52 meters at a 240 km/h speed in just 4.9 seconds. Visitors can also enjoygo-karting on a 290-metre-long track and learn about the history of this iconic brand. Moreover, its Galleria Ferrari houses a collection of over 70 Ferrari cars, including old to latest models.
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM, Daily
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds
Ticket Price Range: Starts from AED 345 per person
4. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
To enjoy a fun family outing while surrounded by your favorite movie characters, head straight to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Opened on Yas Island in 2018, it is the world’s second largest indoor theme park with six immersive lands namely Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City, and Metropolis. Visitors can enjoy 29 rides and attractions, including thrilling roller coasters like Batman: Knight Flight and Scarecrow Scare Raid. For kids and those with a phobia for height and speed, the park features attractions like Tweety Wild Wockets and Ani Mayhem Looney Tunes. Another highlight is the meet-and-greet opportunity with characters like Bugs Bunny, Batman, and The Flintstones, ensuring a magical experience for all!
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM, Daily
Best Time to Visit: Mornings
Ticket Price Range:
- Adults – AED 295
- Children – AED 230
- Family & Friends Ticket (4 persons) – AED 885
- Annual Pass – AED 108 per month
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5. LEGOLAND® Dubai
Located within Dubai Parks and Resorts, Legoland Dubai is a specially designed theme park for families with children aged 2 to 12 years. The park features over 40 Lego-themed rides, shows, and building experiences spread across six themed lands – Factory, Lego City, Imagination, Kingdoms, Adventure, and Miniland. Kids can build and drive electric LEGO cars, fly a plane, enjoy boating and watch 4D LEGO movies at LEGO Studios. They can also indulge in role-play activities, like assisting in a LEGO rescue or working at a LEGO City airport. Apart from this, the park has many places to eat and shop for LEGO toys.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday (except Wednesday) – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, morning or late afternoon
Ticket Price Range: Starts from AED 330 per person
6. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Want to spend a day cooling off in water but with a little thrill? Visit Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, the most iconic waterpark in the UAE! Opened in 2013, it is designed based on Emirati theme of ‘The Lost Pearl’ to offer a mix of local culture and entertainment for visitors. The park has more than 60 rides, slides, and water activities for all ages. Ride the exhilarating Dawwama, the world’s largest six-person tornado water coaster and plunge down the region’s highest slide, Jebel Drop. It features a 300-meter lazy river (Al Raha River) and Amwaj Wave Pool for relaxation and dedicated play areas for young children.
Opening Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon, Weekdays
Ticket Price Range: Starts from AED 295 per person
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7. Aquaventure World
Located within Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure World is the largest waterpark in the world. The park has 105 water slides, including Leap of Faith, Aquaconda, Zoomerang, and Poseidon's Revenge. It also has wave pools and a big lazy river for floating, where visitors of all ages can unwind and relax. Moreover, you can discover Dubai's diverse marine at the Lost Chambers Aquarium and enjoy encounters with dolphins and fur seals at Atlas Village. Food stalls, shaded rest areas, and lockers for personal items ensure convenience for the visitors.
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6:30 PM, Daily
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Ticket Price Range: AED 345 per adult and AED 295 per child
8. Real Madrid World Dubai
Are you a die-hard football fan? Real Madrid World is a must-visit for you. Opened in 2016, it is the first-ever theme park dedicated to one of the world's most famous football clubs, Real Madrid. It is a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts and offers a unique blend of sports passion and entertainment. The park features over 40 attractions and experiences across three zones, namely Champions Avenue, Celebration Plaza, and Stars Avenue. Major attractions at the park are Hala Madrid wooden roller coaster, Stars Flyer amusement ride (460 feet tall), and Real Madrid Legends Roller Coaster. You can feel the roar of the stadium on immersive rides and enjoy unique dining experiences inspired by Spanish culture.
Opening Hours: 12 PM to 9 PM, Daily
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon
Ticket Price Range: Starts from AED 295 per person
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9. PlayDXB
Also known as VR Park, PlayDXB is an indoor virtual reality theme park that offers experiences beyond the ordinary. Situated in The Dubai Mall, the park has 30 arcade games and attractions for all ages, each of which combines real-world activities with virtual adventure. Some experiences at PlayDXB are designed for single players, while others can be enjoyed as a group. Visitors can battle zombies, explore fantasy worlds with friends, enjoy snowboarding, and go on the thrilling Burj Drop ride using special VR headsets and equipment.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Best Time to Visit: Evenings
Ticket Price Range: Pay-per-ride; All-day passes available
10. Wild Wadi Waterpark
Situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark has been a favorite summer escape for people since 1998. The park has more than 30 rides and attractions, each based on the tales of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore. The main highlight of Wild Wadi is the Jumeirah Sceirah, a 120-meter-long tandem slide that drops you from 33 meters above at a speed of up to 80 km/h. Other popular attractions include Wipeout & Riptide FlowRide, Tantrum Ally and Master Blasters. Enjoy 100 water activities and slides in Juha's Dhow & Lagoon, each centered around a traditional boat. The park also features special play areas for young children with smaller slides and shallow pools.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday & Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning
Ticket Price Range: Starts from AED 215 for adults
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Other Information about the UAE
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to UAE
- Plan early and book tickets online to save money and skip the queues at the entrance
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day
- Wear light, comfortable clothing and supportive shoes for walking
- Use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
- Be mindful of local customs and traditions
- Prefer visiting on a weekday for fewer crowds and shorter lines
- Use public transport or ride-sharing services to get to the parks
10 Things to Do in the UAE
- Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
- Go shopping at Dubai Mall and watch the iconic Dubai Fountain show
- Take a traditional Abra ride across the Dubai Creek
- Enjoy a desert safari adventure with dune bashing, camel rides, and a Bedouin-style dinner
- Offer prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- Wander through the historic Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Buy exclusive gold jewelry and spices at the traditional souks
- Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi for art and culture
- Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Jumeirah or Saadiyat Island
- Watch a thrilling race on Formula 1 track at Yas Marina Circuit
How to Reach the UAE
By Air: Fly to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), two major arrival points in the UAE. Both the airports receive services from hundreds of flights operated by international airlines and national carriers like Emirates and Etihad Airways.
By Road: The UAE is well-connected to neighboring countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia by road. Visitors can drive in their personal cars or rental taxis and reach the destination by crossing several borders along the route.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most sought-after destinations for theme park enthusiasts, and for all the right reasons. From the world’s fastest coasters to fully immersive indoor experiences that defy the desert climate, the UAE has it all. With a diverse selection of attractions, theme parks in UAE cater to the taste and interests of all visitors. For an unforgettable holiday packed with excitement, plan your trip with UAE tour packages from Myholidays. Book now and get ready to create everlasting memories with your loved ones!
FAQ’s - Theme Parks in UAE
The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to March. The weather is pleasant for walking around outdoor parks, although indoor parks like IMG Worlds and Warner Bros. World offer a great experience year-round.
Yes, especially at Dubai Parks and Resorts, where Motiongate, Legoland, and Real Madrid World are located next to each other. Park hopper tickets are available but be sure to plan your time wisely to make the most of your visit.
Yes, both Dubai Parks and Resorts and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi offer multi-park passes. These can provide better value if you plan on visiting several parks within their respective destinations.
Yes, UAE’s popular theme parks like Legoland Dubai and Cartoon Network zone in IMG Worlds are specifically designed for younger kids. Most other parks also have dedicated family-friendly zones and attractions.
Consider wearing light, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes while visiting any theme park in the UAE. Standard swimwear is acceptable at the waterparks but check the specific guidelines.
Yes, it is always cheaper to purchase tickets to the UAE’s theme parks online in advance. You can often find early bird discounts and special promotional offers on the official park websites or from authorized sellers.
All theme parks in the UAE feature a wide variety of dining options, from quick-service food courts to themed sit-down restaurants. You can find everything from burgers and pizzas to Arabian and Asian cuisine.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside theme parks in the UAE. However, exceptions are usually made for baby food and small snacks for children, as well as for medical reasons.
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