What to expect at huge ‘Hollywood in the desert’ theme park set to open in Dubai

Motiongate Dubai has announced a swathe of rides and facilities at a sprawling theme park due to open in October next year.

Dubbed “Hollywood in the desert”, the 1.9 million-square-foot park is on Sheikh Zayed Road within Dubai Parks and Resorts (just before the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border), and is a collaboration between Motiongate Dubai and three big Hollywood studios – Sony Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and Lionsgate.

When completed, 3.1 million visitors are expected in the first year and they will be able to enjoy 27 immersive attractions – including five rollercoasters, a water ride containing more than 793,000 gallons of water, interactive play labs and multimedia theatre experiences – all inspired by 13 Hollywood films.

“Three-and-a-half years ago, we sat down and brainstormed with the studios what movies would be the best fit for the park and how to design the rides,” said Stanford Pinto, chief operating officer for Dubai Parks and Resorts.

“There’s a story to tell in every ride. When you pick a particular movie, it has to blend in with the rest of the park. Hence we’ve got the Lionsgate Zone that’s geared more to the teenagers and tweens, Sony has a darker feel, and then there are the more fun family rides with DreamWorks.”

Original article by Jessica Hill

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What to expect at huge ‘Hollywood in the desert’ theme park set to open in Dubai