The park, which was officially inaugurated by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has showcased itself as a mega tourist destination comprising three separate theme parks, a water park, a uniquely themed dining and retail district and a Polynesian themed family hotel covering 30.6 million square feet.
The destination includes LEGOLAND Dubai, the region’s first LEGOLAND, a Hollywood-inspired park called MOTIONGATE Dubai and Bollywood Parks which is the world’s first Bollywood theme park that includes 4D simulation rides based on Bollywood blockbusters like Lagan, Sholay, Krrish and Ra one.
The inauguration saw performances from the look alikes of popular Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan and a musical performance from the Oscar, Grammy and Tony Award-winning composer Alan Menken, who has composed scores for classics like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast. It was attended by close to1500 guests that included close to 150 media representatives from around the world and 200 children from various foundations including “Make A Wish”.
As per the resort administration, the entire destination is connected by Riverland Dubai, a uniquely themed retail and dining district. A four-star hotel, the Lapita, a Polynesian themed family hotel part of the Marriott, has also been constructed inside the park for international tourists.
According to Sara, an eight-year-old girl, who attended the 30 minutes inauguration, “it was like a dream for her to watch the cartoon characters and Bollywood heroes (look alikes) coming to life”. The inauguration ended with a massive fireworks display that lasted for more than 15 minutes
Similarly, six-year-old Hasan, who watched the entire opening event without moving from his seat, said that he was “very happy” after sitting on the “Lagan” ride.
While Legoland Dubai is part of a themed chain of parks inspired by the popular construction toys, Bollywood Parks Dubai is a first-of-its-kind attraction dedicated to everything Bollywood. Motiongate Dubai is inspired by Hollywood movies and will feature attractions and content from DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures, Lionsgate and the Smurfs.
This is the first phase of Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is expected to be fully built by 2019. Six Flags Dubai, part of the world’s largest amusement park chain headquartered in Texas, will be the fourth theme park to open.
Speaking at a media interaction, Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO DXB Entertainments, owners of Dubai Parks and Resorts, said, “We are very proud of the destination we have created for the UAE and its visitors, and thank our partners, guests and shareholders for their support of this complex and unique destination.”.
The park administration stated that more than 200 performers using 1,200-plus costumes will perform daily at Jaan-E-Jigar, the Broadway-style musical at Rajmahal Theatre inside Bollywood Parks Dubai. It has employed a multinational staff from at least 50 plus countries that includes Macedonia, Greece apart from India, Pakistan, and Philippines to cater to the rising international audience that is expected to visit the park.