The world of LEGO® bricks comes to life at LEGOLAND® Dubai - part of an expanding LEGO® themed amusement park chain that spans the globe. LEGOLAND® Dubai opened in 2016 and is the first and only LEGOLAND® Theme Park in the Middle East. Containing 40 interactive rides and 15,000 LEGO® models made from 60 million LEGO® bricks, LEGOLAND® Dubai Theme Park boasts a plethora of delights designed to entice both the young and the young-at-heart. The Theme Park features half a dozen lands, some of which are indoor and air conditioned (perfect for those blisteringly hot Dubai summer days when being outdoors can sometimes feel unbearable). The Theme Park is aimed at families with children aged between two and twelve, and we visited in late December day with our four- and six-year-old daughters. Over the course of a day, we went on virtually all of the rides at the Theme Park. Our favourites were the Driving School (which my daughters both loved so much that they did it about a dozen times during our visit!), Pharoah’s Revenge and Sea Port. My older daughter was tall enough (over 120cm) to go on The Dragon, a rip-roaring rollercoaster, which she and I thoroughly enjoyed, and we went on it four times in quick succession. Entry is free for under three-year-olds, but there is plenty throughout the park to keep toddlers and very young children happy, including the Factory Tour, DUPLO® Valley, Police Headquarters, and Boating School, amongst others.
One of the biggest attractions is open to everyone, regardless of height: the indoor MINILAND, which has a miniature display of Dubai’s world-famous skyline, and other familiar city landmarks from around the world, consisting of 20 million LEGO®bricks. The overall effect is breathtaking. My daughters were particularly keen on the replica Ski Dubai, which includes a LEGO® ski lift and chalet, the Taj Mahal, and the Pyramids of Giza. Each of the displays is interactive, and there’s also BUILD A CITY, where budding builders can showcase their creativity and build their own skyline on a dedicated 25 meter longplay table.
One of the highlights of our visit was the Factory Tour, during which we learned how LEGO® bricks are produced. Our tour guide was engaging and informative, and my children were fascinated by the machinery involved in the moulding process, which transforms the tiny plastic granules into LEGO® bricks. At the end of the tour, everyone receives a special LEGO® brick, fresh from the casting line.
In terms of logistics and navigability, it is possible to visit each of the six areas in a day long visit, and the Theme Park is easy to traverse – just pick up a map when you arrive. There are also ample rest spots and immaculately clean bathrooms, and most attractions are accessible.
LEGOLAND® Water Park is adjacent to LEGOLAND® Dubai Theme Park and is the only waterpark in the UAE designed specifically for kids aged between 2 and 12 years old. It is perfectly possible to visit both parks within one day, and it is the ideal place to cool off after the Theme Park, however it is a self-contained attraction and perhaps best to spend an entire separate day at the Water Park, which was what we did. The Water Park is large, clean and spacious, consisting of 20 slides and attractions. Our favourites were Build-A-Raft River, which entailed building our own LEGO® vessels and floating around the lazy river, and the exhilarating LEGO® Slide Racers - a wet and wild experience consisting of six adjacent mat slides where you can race friends and family. If you do plan to visit both the Theme Park and Water Park in the same day, a 1 Day Combo ticket represents excellent value, even if you only stay in one of the parks for a couple of hours.
Families with young children will be in their element at LEGOLAND® Dubai and LEGOLAND® Water Park.My children are already begging to return, and I must say, I’m also excited to go back when we are next in Dubai.
For best rates book directly through the LEGOLAND website on legoland.ae
LEGOLAND® Dubai 1 Day Tickets available from AED295 per person.
LEGOLAND® Water Park 1 Day Tickets available from AED295 per person.
LEGOLAND® Dubai + LEGOLAND® Water Park 1 Day Combo Tickets available from AED355 per person.
Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai at MINILAND
Submarine Adventure
MINILAND Lightshow
