If there is one toy that has stood the test of time, is loved across genders, nationalities and ages, surely it’s got to be Lego?
It, therefore, doesn’t surprise me that the folk at Lego have chosen Dubai to be the home of the 7th – and possibly biggest and best yet – Legoland theme park!
With an incredibly diverse culture – almost every nationality in the world is represented in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) workforce – its the place where the seemingly impossible is made possible. Who on earth thought they could build the world’s tallest tower? An indoor ski slope? the biggest flower garden in the world?
Well move aside Dubai Parks & Resorts are now about to open the biggest and best theme park destination in the Middle East!
LEGOLAND DUBAI NOW OPEN – See our full review of Legoland Dubai with kids here
In typical Dubai style, the ground was only broken a few years ago and already they are touting an October 2016 launch date. In fact, the first of 15,000 Lego models which will use an estimated 60 million Lego bricks has just been shipped into place during February.
The 230,000 brick Red Dragon will be part of the Kingdoms area of Legoland and will breathe smoke from his nostrils before families board the Dragon Roller Coaster which will be one of the 40 interactive rides and shows available.
What you can expect from Legoland Dubai?
Legoland Dubai will be part of the new Dubai Parks & Resorts – a vast new entertainment district currently under construction in Jebel Ali, Dubai.
It is situated right on the border with Abu Dhabi emirate, so flying into either Dubai International Airport or Abu Dhabi International Airport, you will be in close proximity (under an hours drive away).
There will be one hotel resort built on-site initially (check it out here) but a plethora of other options within easy driving distance.
The Group are estimating that in their first full year of operation they will receive a staggering 6.7 million visitors – not bad for somewhere that still looks like a giant sandpit!
Attractions at Legoland Dubai
Within Legoland Dubai itself, there will be 6 themed “lands”. Much like other worldwide Legolands, each of these lands will include entertainment and educational element, including popular attractions like the Driving Academy, Merlin’s Flying Machine and a Duplo Academy for the smallest tots.
The centrepiece of Legoland Dubai though and what will make it unique to other parks is the first indoor, air-conditioned Miniland in the world. There will be a giant replica model of the Dubai skyline as well as other Middle East wonders and international iconic landmarks.
There will also be an opportunity for kids to build their very own skyline to marvel that of Dubai with a 10-metre long interactive construction table (move over kids, I think I’ll be having a piece of that!!).
We had the opportunity to ask Legoland Dubai General Manager Siegfried Boerst about how the theme park will cope with the weather extremes we experience in the UAE (summer day time temperatures can reach 50 degrees celcius)
“LEGOLAND Dubai has a great mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, with more indoor features than any other LEGOLAND Park in the world, which will make it perfect for year-round visitation.
LEGOLAND Water Park is next door, featuring more than 20 water slides and attractions, each offering its own different and fun-soaked experience to keep families cool in the heat.”
Siegfried Boerst, General Manager Legoland Dubai
Find a detailed guide on how to tackle Dubai Parks & Resorts in the summer here
Legoland Water Park
Legoland Water Park is really the ideal touch for the Middle East. It will be the perfect way to cool off after a busy day at Legoland Dubai, or even visit for a day trip on its own (note there will be separate entry fees).
The beauty of this water park for us will be that its specifically aimed at those aged 2-12 so plenty of age-appropriate attractions and activities to enjoy.
Learn more about Dubai & the UAE’s best water parks here
What else will there be at Dubai Parks & Resorts?
If your still not convinced that Legoland is your thing though, Dubai Parks & Resorts are also be building a Motiongate theme park – billed to be the largest Hollywood based theme park in the Middle East as well as a Bollywood Park on the 25 million square foot site.
All the theme parks will be connected by Riverland – an entrance plaza and entertainment boardwalk that will connect the three major theme parks and hotel, complete with a canal running water taxi’s, and tram service.
All the parks are due to be completed and open simultaneously in October 2016. Mr Boerst advises me that all the attractions at Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park will be ready to experience from day 1!
Perhaps another first for Dubai…?
Want to be the first to enjoy Legoland Dubai?
The official opening date is yet to be announced however annual passes can already be purchase in advance directly from the Legoland Dubai website.
Priced at 995dhs for the double pass Legoland Dubai & Legoland Water Park, or 765dhs for Legoland only – this adds up to fantastic value compared to many other UAE family attractions. (In USD this translates to approx. $270 and $210).
Customers purchasing now will not only get 12 months unlimited access to the parks without blackout dates, they will also be invited to pre-opening park reviews and events and be the first families to try the attractions.
There will be no separate pricing for adults/children – an annual pass is needed for all family members aged 3 and up. If you are just visiting the UAE as a one-off, day passes will, of course, be available but pricing has yet to be released.
A questions mark hangs as to whether UAE residents will receive any special discounts, but I am assured by Mr Boerst that the annual passes will easily pay for themselves within three visits.
Will this be the end of our international theme park travels? Possibly. On several occasions now we have made the trek to Florida for the theme park madness. We have enjoyed it, but the 16-hour flight to get there as well as the time zone adjustment is gruelling.
Having a comparable international brand theme park, perfectly suited to the under 12 crowd right on our doorstep is going to be hard to surpass.
Although we already have the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World only moments from our house on Yas Island, there are several attractions that are inappropriate for small children – and I’ll be honest without entry vouchers it is an expensive family day out when you won’t be fully utilising everything! (Between 250-500AED per person).
So are you as excited as we are? Will you be attending Legoland Dubai when it first opens? I know for sure there are some little Globetrotters in our house obsessed with Lego who can’t wait to go!
More on visiting the UAE with kids
- Nervous first-time visitors to the UAE? Don’t be – here are 15 important facts to know before visiting the UAE with Kids
- See all our UAE family attraction guides and hotel reviews over at Discover the UAE
- Join the conversation with our Facebook group Family Travel in the Middle East
© Our Globetrotters | Construction images © Legoland® Dubai
My kids love everything lego! Sounds like a great place to play!
I’m pretty sure my lot will be so busy playing Lego the rides won’t be of that much interest!
We went to Dubai last year and find it to be the gateway to Africa. Hoping now we fly though it again so we can experience Legoland. My son will be 11 but looks like the tube ride will be something he’d enjoy!
Definitely still things there the older lego-lover will enjoy too (I’m going to enjoy it!!)
We recently went to Legoland in Florida and my 8 and 6 year old loved it, especially my 6 year old son. I’m sure they could have spent half the day at the driving school! And Miss 8 adored the Lego Friends area. I went on the Mia’s Riding School ride and that was fantastic! Dubai is always a great spot to stop en route to Europe and this makes it even more attractive.
There are so many interactive activities with Legoland – knowing the kids will be kept happy and able to independently explore so much is great news for parents – makes the idea of a whole day at a theme park far less daunting!!
This sounds incredible!! We’ve still not been to Legoland (anywhere!) but I know my kids would love it. This one sounds like it’s going to be amazing
Knowing that pretty much all the attractions are going to be accessible to all our kids is the real upside – so much at the bigger theme parks one of us ends up sitting out with the littlies
My kids would adore this: they love legos and we are thinking of bringing them to Legoland Windsor, which is the closest to where we live. I think i better keep this one hidden, because if they cop there is a Legoland in the sun, I might have to move to Dubai 🙂
ha ha, so true Marta – but what better reason to come out to the UAE right?
Looks amazing! I will add it to my stop over list for our next dream holiday! We went to Legoland Windsor and the kids still talk about it so fondly ,
I’m sure they will love this one too Bron – throw in the Waterpark as well its unbeatable for the under 12 crowd!
Wow, you have to hand it to Dubai, they completely embody a ‘Go Big or Go Home’ attitude! Looks like it will be pretty incredible, and very well priced for the annual pass in comparison to its worldly competitors!
That’s it, if Dubai can’t make it happen no one can!! Very reasonable prices, even compared to other UAE attractions. Any annual pass that pays off within 3 visits is great value
Sounds amazing Keri, can’t wait to check it out! We visited Legoland Windsor during our recent UK trip and the kids had a ball.