World's largest indoor theme park in Dubai

Governments across the Middle East are eyeing tourism to fight off plunging oil revenues. By the time Dubai hosts The World Expo in 2020, Dubai aims to attract 20 million visitors annually. Last year, 14 million visitors came, according to its Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Wholly owned by the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group and managed byIMG Worlds, the project is the first international mega-themed park to open in Dubai and will redefine the modern entertainment experience with its unprecedented size and offering. Spanning 139,354m², equivalent to 28 football fields, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the first global theme park to feature international brands Marvel and Cartoon Network, in addition to two proprietary brands, IMG Boulevard and Lost Valley - Dinosaur Adventure.

Providing a truly unforgettable and immersive experience, IMG Worlds of Adventure includes a unique array of roller coasters and attractions, complemented by 28 original food and beverage (F&B) offerings and 25 retail outlets. Ilyas Galadari and Mustafa Galadari, executive co-chairmen and owners of the Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group, said: ‘The creation of IMG Worlds of Adventure is the realisation of a shared childhood dream. This landmark launch has turned our aspirations of creating the world’s largest indoor theme park into a reality.

"This marks a great achievement for everyone at the Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group and we would like to thank everyone who has been part of this epic journey. "As the first international mega-themed park to open in the region, IMG Worlds of Adventure will set a new universal standard for a fully immersive theme park experience, further driving tourism whilst enabling the UAE to achieve its vision of becoming the leading global leisure and entertainment destination."

Lennard Otto, chief executive officer of IMG Worlds of Adventure, commented: ‘We are excited to have launched the world’s largest indoor theme park today, which will be a major tourism attraction for Dubai, the surrounding regions and the rest of the world. "As the first international theme park to open in Dubai, we expect to host over 4.5 million people in our first year of operation, transforming the entertainment and leisure industry forever. We look forward to welcoming everyone in the coming days, weeks and months."

Tickets for entry to the park can be purchased at www.IMGworlds.com with adult ticket prices set at $81.6 (AED300) and children at $68 (AED250). Ultimate fast-track passes are an additional $53 (AED195) with fast track 3 shots passes at $34 (AED125). Annual passes to the park can be purchased for $679 (AED2,495).

Meanwhile, next month, Dubai Parks and Resorts, a state-backed company, is launching a mega-theme resort which includes Lego Land and a Bollywood-inspired park. According to PwC, the U.A.E. will attract 18 million theme park visitors annually by 2021.