New Zombie Apocalypse Park to launch in Dubai in 2020

Dubai is about to get a new theme park that may make you scream more than the usual rollercoasters and rides.

A new zombie-themed attraction has been announced, which will bring live shows, a virtual-reality cinema, escape games and spooky challenges to the city, all powered by glow-in-the-dark technology.

The Zombie Apocalypse Park will be located at The Night Market in Deira Islands, an in-construction quayside destination that will be the world’s largest night market when it opens. When finished, the market will stretch 1.9 kilometres along the waterfront, with 5,300 shops, restaurants and cafes.

The undead-themed fantasy land will be created with Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, with attractions set to include paintball games, a haunted house, axe throwing, archery, a haunted corn maze and laser tag.

The active entertainment zone will also feature trampolines, target shooting and a terrifying-sounding "zombie apocalypse attack and zombie runs".

“We are committed to creating unique, unforgettable experiences, attractions and facilities at our existing and upcoming retail developments," said Omar Khoory, managing director of Nakheel Malls. "The Zombie Apocalypse Park will be a huge draw at The Night Market, attracting tourists, businesses and schools for team-building events and families and individuals for a new kind of entertainment."

The Zombie Apocalypse Park, which will span 65,000 square feet (meaning there's plenty of room for the undead to roam), will also host its own zombie-themed cafe, shop and party room for private events.

It is scheduled to open in mid-2020, and while there are not yet any visual renders to suggest what the park will look like, we're imagining something reminiscent of comic book and TV series The Walking Dead.

The Night Market is currently having the finishing touches, such as landscaping and water features, added before opening to the public.

Other attractions set to launch on Deira Islands include a 600-room beachfront resort launched with Vienna House, as well as hotels created with Spain’s RIU Hotels and Resorts and Thailand’s Centara Hotels and Resorts.

The National