Dubai's new 13.2 billion Parks and Resorts' has come up with 'Bollywood' and 'Hollywood'-themed parks that will bring world class entertainment to tourists and boost business in the Arabian desert.
Spread across 30.6 million square feet, the Motiongate-themed parks -- two of the three separate theme parks and a waterpark, including, Legoland and Riverland -- were formally opened on December 18.
The entire destination, connected by a one km river front with a host of dining and retail offerings at Riverland Dubai and 500-room Lapita Hotel, could turn out to be the breakout hit.
Following the first ever collaboration between Columbia Pictures, Dreamworks and Lionsgate at Motiongate park, the Dubai themed park now trails only the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for the most themed parks in one resort.
It's tough to judge among other theme parks (those completed), but Bollywood and Motiongate parks offer refreshing alternatives of a unique theme of music, dance and other activities for tourists from India and abroad.
Krrish, a Bollywood science fiction franchise, will give you a 4D ride. While the Lagaan simulated roller coaster is a cricket-themed carnival ride.
Sholay, a 3D interactive allows the hunt for Gabber Singh and offers the rare element of actually allowing you to shoot at people. These are just some of the excitement awaiting the tourists.
While Motiongate features 27 rides and attractions including five roller-coasters.
"Dubai Parks and Resorts aims to attract 1,000 UAE nationals, through its emiratisation programme and strategies, to work in the theme park industry.
"At least 6.7 million ticketed visits are projected for 2017, the first full year of operation," CEO DXB Entertainments PJSC, the owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts, Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi said at the event.
Nuaimi said that it was his honour to deliver the theme park to the people of Dubai, the UAE and the entire Middle East after three years.
"It is the first of its kind integrated entertainment destination in the region, as it consists of three different theme parks and one waterpark and intertainment zone all in the same location," Nuaimi said.
With slogan of 'Experience Amazing', the organisers claim that "Dubai has just become home to the largest theme park destination in the Middle East and region's largest integrated theme park destination".
Asked if the Bollywood-themed park is only for attracting Indian visitors, one of the organisers said: "Our aim is to attract all the visitor.
"Bollywood is really themed specially for Indians as they know it very well but its not necessary that it is only for the Indian nationals."
General Manager of Bollywood parks, Thomas Jellum told IANS: "India is one of the key market for us. Tourism is actually increasing. Dubai Parks and Resorts aims to attract 20 million visitors."
Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially inaugurated Dubai Parks and Resorts site located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai -- close to the Expo 2020 site -- in the presence of over 1,000 invited guests.
Accompanying Shaikh Mohammad were Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and other officials.
The event started with the theme song "All the Wonders of the Universe" written by Academy Award winning composer and Disney Legend Alan Menken, who performed it accompanied by his daughter Anna Menken, recording artist.
The event showcased its theme parks in a special show involving the dancers and actors from Dubai Parks and Resorts' live entertainment team, who perform in shows such as the Bollywood musical, Jaan-e-Jigar and Step Up All In, inspired by the Step Up film franchise.
(Rajnish Singh's visit was at the invitation of the organisers of Dubai Parks and Resorts. He can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)
--IANS
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