Merlin Entertainments, Europe’s number one visitor attractions operator, has announced that Legoland Dubai is scheduled to open in 2016 and will feature over 15,000 Lego model structures.

The park, which will be operated by Merlin, is being developed in conjunction with Dubai Parks and Resorts Limited, a Meraas holding company.  

Legoland Dubai will be the first Legoland Park in the Middle East, and will be the seventh Legoland Park to open worldwide.  

Located in Jebel Ali, Legoland Dubai will cover a total of 3 million sq ft and feature over 15,000 Lego model structures made from more than 60 million Lego bricks. This includes over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions – all set in six themed areas, some of which are already favourites - Lego city, adventure, Lego kingdom, create, Lego factory, and the ever popular magical Miniland.

Legoland Dubai will bring the well-known Lego bricks to life in a unique interactive world specifically designed for children aged 2-12, encouraging them to stretch their imaginations and their skills as the ‘heroes’ in a fun day spent together with family and friends.   

Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, said: “We are delighted to be opening in Dubai and to be working with a partner as innovative and supportive as Dubai Parks and Resorts on this exciting new project.  Dubai is the most important tourist centre in the Middle East and we believe that it is the ideal place for Legoland.  Not only is the Lego concept  already very popular here, but Legoland’s unique appeal for families with younger children is universal, making it a must do visit not just for ‘local’ visitors from Dubai and neighbouring Middle Eastern states; but also tourists visiting the region from all over the world.  Indeed, we have no doubt that Legoland Dubai will add a whole new dimension to Dubai’s leisure scene.”

Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Dubai Parks and Resorts Limited, said: “We are excited to have one of the world’s leading global leisure operators join hands with us to enhance the entertainment and leisure offerings in Dubai and the wider region. Merlin Entertainments is globally respected by industry players and we are confident that Legoland Dubai will add incredible value to the overall family entertainment experience at Dubai Parks and Resorts.”

In addition to Legoland Dubai, the first phase of Dubai Parks and Resorts will also comprise MotiongateTM Dubai and Bollywood ParksTM Dubai. Set for completion in 2016, Phase 1 will also feature Riverpark, a grand entrance plaza and Lapita, a family themed hotel.

Dubai Parks and Resorts Limited articulates Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020 which, under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sets the guidelines for Dubai to double its annual visitor numbers from 10 million in 2012 to 20 million in 2020, and increase the economic contribution of the tourism sector. – TradeArabia News Service