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Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate Dubai
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24°55′19″N 55°00′14″E / 24.92183492°N 55.003883178°E / 24.92183492; 55.003883178

Motiongate Dubai (or Motiongate for short; stylized as motiongate) is a Hollywood-inspired theme park[2] located in Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, showcasing five themed areas and attractions dedicated to popular media franchises. It was opened on December 16, 2016.[3][4]

Key Information

Licensed properties in Motiongate Dubai

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Since Motiongate did not have any of its original attractions, all of its attractions and rides are based on licensed properties from various studios like Sony, Comcast, Lionsgate, and Peyo.

History

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Motiongate Dubai is operated by Dubai Parks and Resorts. The park's opening date was originally scheduled on October 31, 2016, but was postponed due construction delays. It was opened on December 16, 2016.[5]

Theme park operations were temporarily suspended in March 2020 due to COVID-19 precautionary measures. It was supposed to reopen on April 8, 2020, but the closure was extended for the summer period with the destination reopening on September 23, 2020.[6] The company will "focus on the roll-out of the enhancement programme and completion of maintenance works during the closure period". On January 21, 2022, Lionsgate zone expanded to feature 2 additional movie franchises 'Now You See Me' and 'John Wick', also adding 2 rides to the park.[7] During May 2025, a project billboard appeared on-site revealing a yet to be announced waterpark expansion.[8]

Areas

[edit]

Attractions

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Columbia Pictures

[edit]

Current

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Former

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  • Ghostbuster Block Party - street show

DreamWorks

[edit]
  • Dragon Gliders – a Mack Rides Inverted Power Coaster
  • Shrek's Merry Fairy Tale Journey – a trackless dark ride
  • Madagascar Mad Pursuit – a Gerstlauer Infinity coaster and the first of its kind to have no inversions.
  • Melman-Go-Round – Carousel created by Concept1900 Entertainment
  • Penguin Air – a Zamperla Magic Bike
  • Swamp Celebration – a Zamperla Rockin' Tug
  • Kung Fu Panda Academy
  • Mr. Ping's Noodle Fling – a teacup ride
  • King Julien's Side Show Stomp – a live show
  • Operation Penguin Shake
  • Fountain of Dreams
  • Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness – a motion simulator supplied by Simworx, using their Cobra motion simulator technology.[10] This attraction's plot and even voice lines would later be used in Universal Studios Hollywood's DreamWorks Theatre, albeit with lots of changes.
  • The Swinging Viking – a pirate ship ride
  • Camp Viking

The Smurfs' Village

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  • Smurfberry Factory - a play area.
  • Smurf Village Express - a Gerstlauer junior roller coaster.
  • Smurfs Studio Tours - a traditional dark ride.
  • Woodland Play Park - an outdoor play area.
  • Smurfs Village Playhouse - a live, animated interactive show.

Lionsgate

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  • Panem Aerial Tour - a motion simulator.
  • Capitol Bullet Train - a Mack Rides launched coaster and the only roller coaster in the park with inversions.
  • John Wick: Open Contract - a S&S 4D Free Spin coaster and one of two roller coasters in the park meant for the Six Flags Dubai project.
  • Now You See Me: High Roller - a Maurer AG SC3000 and the other roller coaster in the park meant for the Six Flags Dubai project.

Former

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Hollywood Theater

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  • Illuminate - a live show

Character appearances

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Companies Franchises Characters Locations Year appearances
DreamWorks Animation
(Universal Pictures/NBCUniversal/Comcast) 		Shrek
How to Train Your Dragon
Kung Fu Panda
Madagascar 		Shrek
Donkey
Fiona
Puss in Boots
Hiccup
Astrid
Toothless
Po
Alex
Marty
Melman
Gloria
King Julien
Maurice
Mort
Penguins
Capitan Dubois 		DreamWorks 2016–present
Columbia Pictures
(Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group) 		Hotel Transylvania
Underworld
Ghostbusters
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 		Dracula
Mavis
Johnny
Murray
Selene
Peter Venkman
Ray Stantz
Egon Spengler
Winston Zeddemore
Flint Lockwood
Sam Sparks 		Columbia Pictures[11] 2016–present
Peyo The Smurfs Papa Smurf
Smurfette
Brainy Smurf
Vanity Smurf
Smurfs Village[12] 2016–present
Lionsgate Studios
(Starz Entertainment Corp.) 		The Hunger Games
Now You See Me
John Wick 		Effie
Peacekeepers 		Lionsgate[13][14][15] 2016–present

Annual events

[edit]

MOTIONGATE Dubai's Fright Nights (October 2018) - Held from the 18th of October until the 3rd of November, it featured 2 scare areas and a Saw themed maze.[16]

MOTIONGATE Dubai's Fright Nights 2 (October 2019) - Held from the 24th of October until the 22nd of November. Horrors from the screen featured photobooth from famous horror movies in history. Haunting of the Old Graveyard was a storytelling show. Into the Deadlands was a maze themed after a post-apocalyptic Earth. Zombieland was a maze with zombies.[17][18]

MOTIONGATE Dubai's Fright Nights 3 (October 2020) - Held from the 22nd of October until the 14th of November. Guests can expect a live horror show performed at the Hollywood Theater which will feature a 20-minute chronicle around the grim story of The Collector and his epic fight with the Hollow Heart Beast. In addition, a horror maze right out of your worst nightmares awaits at The Underworld where you join a secret society formed by The Collector to capture an ancient creature that hides in the old cursed crypt.[19]

MOTIONGATE Dubai's Fright Nights 4 (October 2021) – Held from 23 September until 6 November. A haunted cinema infested by a creepy legend from the past lurking in the dark. Six guests will be allowed inside this immersive ‘Nyctophobia’ experience at a time, and they must figure their way out within six minutes.[20]

MOTIONGATE Dubai's Fright Nights 5 (October 2022) – Held from 8 October until 31 October. The Legend of the Weeping Shadow scare zone investigates a vengeful ghost who is rumored to roam waterfront areas. Meanwhile, the Freak Show scare zone takes guests to the circus, where sideshow horrors and maniacal clowns roam around. The Halloween Fright Nights activities will end on a high note each day with The Nightmare Dimension Parade, where Halloween characters will walk through Studio Central, the main boulevard, just before park closing providing great photo opportunities for visitors and the potential to encounter the evil mastermind known as “The Boogeyman”.[21]

MOTIONGATE Dubai's Festive Thrills (Annually) – Held during the month of December. The Middle East's largest Hollywood-inspired theme park transforms into a winter wonderland, with a dazzling show of lights, park decorations, festive shows, a decked-up entrance gate, a mesmerizing 40-foot tree, a night market, the twinkling canopy on the main boulevard.[22]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Motiongate Dubai

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Motiongate Dubai is a Hollywood-inspired theme park located within Dubai Parks and Resorts in , , featuring 27 rides and attractions across five themed zones dedicated to major film studios including , Lionsgate, and . Opened on December 16, 2016, it is the largest such park in the and offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, family-friendly interactive experiences, and immersive movie-themed environments. Operated by Dubai Holding Entertainment, a subsidiary of , Motiongate Dubai spans five distinct studio worlds: Studio Central, which provides a gateway inspired by Golden Age Hollywood with theatrical shows and movie sets; , home to seven high-thrill rides including encounters with characters and battles; Lionsgate, featuring action-oriented attractions like the Now You See Me: High Roller, recognized as the world's fastest , and a 4D flying coaster; , with four indoor lands based on , , , and for character-driven family adventures; and Smurfs Village, offering five immersive rides, play zones, and a show for multi-generational fun. The park also includes one , two toddler play areas, seven restaurants, and 15 retail outlets, emphasizing cinematic thrills alongside dining and shopping options. Since its debut, Motiongate Dubai has drawn millions of visitors annually as part of the broader Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, which integrates multiple theme parks and entertainment venues to create a comprehensive leisure destination. Key highlights include suspended coasters like Dragon Gliders in the DreamWorks zone and interactive quests in the Lionsgate area inspired by The Hunger Games, contributing to its reputation for blending film nostalgia with cutting-edge ride technology. The park's design, developed in partnership with studios like Sony Pictures and Lionsgate, ensures authentic movie recreations while prioritizing safety and accessibility for diverse audiences.

Overview

Location and Facilities

Motiongate Dubai is located within the expansive Dubai Parks and Resorts complex in , , , positioned along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), opposite . This strategic placement ensures easy accessibility via the main highway linking and , with the official address being Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Parks and Resorts, UAE. Spanning 45 acres (18 hectares), the park houses 27 attractions, including 7 roller coasters and 1 water ride, designed to deliver a mix of thrilling and family-oriented experiences. As an integral component of the Dubai Parks and Resorts destination, it connects seamlessly with neighboring parks such as Real Madrid World (formerly Bollywood Parks Dubai), Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park, enabling visitors to navigate between them using multi-park tickets and shared pathways. The complex features communal amenities, including free parking for over 12,000 vehicles, centralized guest services, and the Riverland entertainment district serving as the primary entry point. Motiongate Dubai typically operates from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, extending to 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, with potential adjustments for holidays or peak seasons (as of November 2025). As of 2025, ticket pricing follows a tiered structure: single-day one-park admission starts at AED 295 for adults (aged 13+), AED 250 for children (aged 3-12), and is free for children under 3; options include multi-park bundles (e.g., two parks from AED 395) and annual passes for unlimited access, with prices varying by date and residency status. The resort's infrastructure supports a daily capacity of thousands across its parks, facilitated by efficient crowd management and shared resources to handle high visitor volumes year-round.

Theme and Licensed Properties

Motiongate Dubai serves as a premier Hollywood-inspired theme park, immersing visitors in the excitement of cinematic storytelling through high-octane stunts, cutting-edge , and interactive experiences drawn from blockbuster films. As the largest such park in the , it recreates the magic of movie production backlots and on-screen adventures, blending thrill rides with narrative-driven entertainment to evoke the glamour and action of Tinseltown. The park's theming is anchored in strategic licensing agreements with major studios and intellectual property holders, secured in the lead-up to its December 2016 opening. These include , which provides access to its library featuring franchises like and , enabling authentic recreations of supernatural and animated worlds. (under ) contributes its animated catalog, including , , , and , infusing zones with whimsical, character-focused escapades. Peyo Company licenses , bringing family-oriented, village-based charm to dedicated play areas, while Lionsgate supplies action-packed properties such as , , and Now You See Me, emphasizing high-stakes thrills and illusions. These licensed properties profoundly influence the park's zone designs, with each studio or IP allocated a bespoke area—such as for spectral encounters, DreamWorks for animated realms, Smurfs Village for interactive whimsy, and Lionsgate for adrenaline-fueled spectacles—ensuring experiential authenticity through faithful adaptations of film aesthetics, characters, and narratives. This structure allows Motiongate Dubai to deliver a cohesive Hollywood homage, where attractions mirror the visual and thematic essence of the source materials, enhancing visitor engagement without diluting the originals' integrity.

History

Development and Opening

Motiongate Dubai was announced in June 2013 by Holding as a key component of the larger Dubai Parks and Resorts project, a multi-billion-dollar complex aimed at boosting in the area. The park was envisioned as a Hollywood-inspired theme park featuring licensed properties from studios such as and , integrated into the first phase of the development alongside Bollywood Parks Dubai and . The overall Dubai Parks and Resorts initiative carried an initial budget of approximately AED 10 billion (about $2.7 billion USD at the time), with financing secured through a mix of equity, , and an for its operating entity. Construction on the Dubai Parks and Resorts project, including Motiongate Dubai, commenced in February 2014, with the site spanning 25 million square feet along Sheikh Zayed Road. Design and planning for specific zones, such as the Lionsgate area, were led by Falcon's Creative Group, which served as the master planner and creative consultant to ensure immersive, film-themed experiences. The build-out involved complex technical installations for high-tech rides and attractions, contributing to the project's scale as the Middle East's largest integrated theme park destination at launch. The original opening date for Motiongate Dubai was set for October 31, 2016, aligning with the phased rollout of Dubai Parks and Resorts. However, due to delays and the need for additional and checks on ride systems and , the debut was postponed by nearly two months to December 16, 2016. This adjustment allowed time to finalize installations without compromising operational standards. The grand opening on December 16, 2016, featured a Hollywood-style ceremony with live entertainment, including performances by dancers and actors from the 's shows, attended by dignitaries and media to celebrate the 's launch. Initial visitor reception was positive, with the drawing crowds eager to experience its movie-themed , marking a significant milestone for —later integrated into in 2023—as it established as a global entertainment hub.

Operations, Expansions, and Recent Developments

Motiongate Dubai, which opened on December 16, 2016, has maintained year-round operations since its inception, with typical daily hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., adjusted seasonally for weather and demand. The park implements regular schedules, including daily inspections, weekly testing of ride systems, and seasonal overhauls to ensure and reliability, in line with UAE regulatory standards. These protocols help address operational challenges such as high summer temperatures, which can limit outdoor ride availability and necessitate enhanced cooling measures for guest comfort. In response to the , the park suspended operations on March 14, 2020, remaining closed for six months until reopening on September 23, 2020. Upon resumption, Motiongate Dubai introduced stringent protocols, including mandatory thermal scanning at entry, capacity limits to 30% of normal, markers on queues, mandatory mask-wearing, and enhanced sanitization of rides and common areas, aligned with UAE government and WHO guidelines. These measures supported a safe return while contributing to the broader recovery of Dubai's tourism sector. A significant expansion occurred in the Lionsgate zone on January 21, 2022, introducing two new movie-themed rides: "Now You See Me: High Roller," the world's fastest spinning roller coaster, and "John Wick: Open Contract," a high-speed flying roller coaster simulating action sequences from the film franchise. This addition increased the park's total attractions to 29, enhancing its appeal to thrill-seekers and boosting overall visitor engagement. Attendance at Motiongate Dubai has varied with regional tourism trends, contributing to Dubai Parks and Resorts' figures of over 2.8 million visitors in 2018, a peak year before the pandemic. The destination has shown strong recovery post-reopening, driven by international arrivals. In 2025, a project billboard appeared on-site in May, signaling plans for a waterpark expansion adjacent to the park, featuring aquatic attractions such as lazy rivers and themed slides. On November 6, 2025, Dubai Holding Entertainment officially announced the development as Oasis Bay Waterpark, including the region's largest pool and family-oriented water experiences, as part of broader initiatives to enhance year-round appeal amid Dubai's hot climate.

Areas and Attractions

Studio Central

Studio Central serves as the primary entrance and central hub of Motiongate Dubai, designed to immerse visitors in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood upon arrival. The area features Hollywood Boulevard-style pathways lined with themed shops and dining outlets, providing an orientation space that transitions guests into the park's cinematic atmosphere. These pathways, adorned with iconic signage and architectural elements evoking Tinseltown, connect directly to adjacent zones such as , facilitating seamless exploration of the park. At the heart of Studio Central stands the Hollywood Theatre, a state-of-the-art venue seating up to 1,000 guests and dedicated to large-scale live productions. The theatre hosts live theatrical shows featuring acrobatic performances, dynamic lighting, projections, and music. These productions serve as a experience in the park. Additional facilities in Studio Central include guest services for ticket assistance and information, professional photo opportunities capturing Hollywood-themed moments, and retail outlets offering merchandise inspired by general cinematic glamour, such as apparel and souvenirs. The area's iconic archway, symbolizing the gateway to movie magic, frames the entrance and enhances the thematic cohesion, drawing visitors into the broader Hollywood-inspired adventure. As of November 2025, construction is underway for a new main entrance through former Riverland buildings at the crossroads of and the Motiongate plaza, potentially affecting access to the park.

Columbia Pictures

The Columbia Pictures zone at Motiongate Dubai immerses visitors in the action-packed and comedic worlds of Sony Pictures' iconic films, transforming the area into an adrenaline-fueled extension of Hollywood cinema. Designed to evoke a classic Hollywood , the zone features detailed facades resembling vintage film sets, complete with signage, soundstage-inspired buildings, and pathways lined with props that nod to the studio's golden era productions. This theming creates a seamless blend of and excitement, allowing guests to feel like extras on a bustling movie lot while transitioning between high-energy attractions. Key current attractions emphasize thrilling simulations and interactive gameplay drawn from ' adventure-comedy franchises. The trackless transports families through the chaotic monster hotel from the animated series, with coffin-shaped vehicles navigating gothic halls filled with animatronic characters like , , and in a lighthearted, spooky escapade suitable for all ages. Nearby, : Battle for New York offers an interactive blaster experience where riders wield proton packs to zap ghosts across a neon-lit New York skyline, capturing the film's supernatural comedy and team-based ghost-hunting action in a trackless shooting gallery format. Complementing these, The : High Speed Chase delivers a bobsled that mimics high-octane car chases from the , twisting through urban sets at speeds up to 70 km/h for an intense, stunt-filled thrill. : Blast Off provides a that simulates a zombie-apocalypse escape, dropping riders from 58 meters while themed to fighting undead hordes in a humorous survival scenario inspired by the comedy-horror film. Among former offerings, the Ghostbusters Block Party street show, which featured live performances of the film's quirky team battling spectral invaders with dance and comedy routines, operated from the park's 2016 opening until its discontinuation in 2020 amid operational adjustments. Dining options in the zone tie directly into the film themes, enhancing the immersive experience; Slimer's Diner serves American comfort foods like burgers and shakes in a retro eatery haunted by the gluttonous green ghost from , while the Cloudy Café (adjacent to the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs river ride) offers whimsical, food-themed snacks evoking the film's absurd culinary chaos. These eateries provide casual, family-oriented meals that reinforce the zone's playful action-comedy vibe without detracting from the attraction-focused energy.

DreamWorks

The DreamWorks zone at Motiongate Dubai is the park's largest area, designed as a whimsical animated village featuring colorful, inspired by the worlds of popular films. Guests enter through a majestic multi-sensory fountain surrounded by life-sized sculptures of characters from , , , and , creating an immediate sense of immersion. The indoor environment incorporates immersive soundscapes drawn directly from the films' soundtracks and dialogue, enhancing the fantastical atmosphere with vibrant murals, themed pathways, and interactive elements that bring the animated universes to life. This family-oriented zone emphasizes thrilling yet accessible rides suitable for all ages, drawing from multiple DreamWorks franchises to offer a blend of adventure and humor. Key attractions include the Dragon Gliders, a suspended roller coaster where riders soar alongside and Toothless over the Forbidden Islands, experiencing smooth glides and gentle inversions in a How to Train Your Dragon-themed setting. Another highlight is Shrek’s Merry Journey, a trackless that retells the story of the first film through , , and projections, narrated by and Fiona as they share tales with their children. The zone also features Madagascar Mad Pursuit, a compact spinning roller coaster that simulates a chaotic escape from animal control officer Captain Chantel DuBois, with sharp turns and unexpected drops amid lush jungle theming. For a martial arts twist, : Unstoppable Awesomeness is a 4D motion simulator ride where participants join Po and the Furious Five on a high-energy quest to save the Valley of Peace, complete with wind, water, and tilting effects. Additionally, Penguin Air is a family flat ride inspired by , where guests glide through the air in a colorful airborne adventure. Complementing these are additional rides and play areas that expand the , such as The Far Far Away Journey, a gentle boat ride through Shrek's swamp and kingdom featuring animatronic encounters; Melman-Go-Round, a with animals; and Camp Viking, an interactive play area with water features tied to the dragon-training theme. These attractions, combined with character statues scattered throughout the village-like layout, reinforce the zone's focus on joyful, story-driven escapades for families.

The Smurfs' Village

The Smurfs' Village is a compact, zone within Motiongate , replicating the whimsical mushroom-house village from the Smurfs franchise with colorful, blue-themed pathways and immersive landscaping tailored for young children and families seeking gentle, low-thrill experiences. This area emphasizes playful exploration in a safe, enchanting environment inspired by the blue-skinned characters' communal habitat, fostering a sense of wonder through detailed theming that includes oversized foliage and character motifs. Key attractions in the zone include the Smurfberry Factory, an interactive indoor play area where visitors tour a berry-themed factory and engage in hands-on activities with oversized foam Smurfberries, highlighting the characters' affinity for the fruit in a fun, sensory-rich setting suitable for toddlers. The Smurf Village Express offers a mild junior ride, allowing families to chug through the village landscapes aboard themed trains endorsed by , providing a delightful, low-speed journey with scenic views of the zone's architecture. Complementing these, the Smurfs Studios Tour is a trackless that takes guests on a behind-the-scenes adventure through a simulated Smurfs movie studio, featuring animated sequences with characters like and interactive elements where riders become part of the production. The Woodland Play Park serves as an outdoor with climbing nets, rope bridges, slides, and obstacle challenges, encouraging physical activity in a natural, forest-inspired extension of the Smurfs' woodland home. Live entertainment enhances the immersion through the Smurf Village Playhouse, an interactive theater show where audiences assist Brainy Smurf and other cast members in outwitting via audience participation, blending with light-hearted . Additional character interactions, such as dance-alongs led by and , occur periodically, allowing children to join in synchronized movements and simple routines that promote coordination and joy. The zone incorporates educational elements tied to Smurf lore, such as the communal values and inventive spirit of the characters depicted in rides and shows, drawing from the franchise's origins created by Belgian artist (Pierre Culliford) in 1958 under license from IMPS. For instance, the Studios Tour and Playhouse narratives explore themes of creativity and teamwork central to ' stories, while subtle signage and character dialogues reference Peyo's comic legacy without overwhelming the playful focus.

Lionsgate

The Lionsgate zone at Motiongate Dubai immerses visitors in the high-octane worlds of Lionsgate's blockbuster films, emphasizing dystopian rebellions and elaborate heists through thrilling rides and detailed environments. Launched in 2016 as part of the park's opening, the area draws primarily from The Hunger Games franchise, evoking a futuristic urban dystopia with divided districts under Capitol control, complete with imposing architecture and propaganda elements. The zone's aesthetic extends to neon-drenched streets inspired by John Wick's gritty underworld, blending oppressive futurism with shadowy, high-stakes cityscapes to create an atmosphere of constant tension and adventure. Central to the zone are attractions rooted in , including the Panem Aerial Tour, a 4D that simulates a scenic flight over Panem's districts, turning into a hijacked escape with immersive visuals on curved screens and dynamic motion effects. Complementing this is the Capitol Bullet Train, a launched half-pipe that propels riders through a rebel chase to the Capitol via triple launches, reaching heights of 35 meters and incorporating the park's only inversions for a breathless dystopian pursuit. These rides feature theming with film-accurate set pieces, such as district facades and Capitol motifs, enhancing the sense of rebellion against authoritarian rule. In 2022, the zone expanded with two world-record-setting coasters, integrating and Now You See Me themes to amplify its action focus. John Wick: Open Contract is a Vekoma 4D free-fly coaster, the tallest of its kind at 31 meters, where guests "accept a contract" at a Continental hotel pre-show before spinning forward and backward along a 310-meter track at up to 64 km/h, amid multimedia LED canopies and forced-perspective murals depicting neon-lit chases. Now You See Me: High Roller, a Gerstlauer spinning coaster, recreates a Las Vegas casino heist with the most revolutions on any single-car model, launching riders through a 20-meter drop, Immelmann turns, and non-inverted loops at speeds of 70 km/h under an arced projection canopy that simulates magical illusions. The expansion, spanning 16,200 square meters, includes interactive storefronts and branded retail evoking film props, unveiled at a launch event in 2022.

Entertainment

Character Appearances

Motiongate Dubai features scheduled meet-and-greet sessions with costumed characters drawn from its licensed intellectual properties, providing guests with opportunities for personal interactions and photographs in designated areas across the park's zones. These appearances are integrated into the daily entertainment lineup, with timings typically announced via the park's , printed guides upon entry, or digital screens to help visitors plan their day. The most frequent character appearances come from the DreamWorks Animation zone, where beloved figures such as , , , Po from , Hiccup, and Toothless from make multiple daily outings, often in the Madagascar sub-area or near key attractions. These sessions allow families to engage in lighthearted conversations and pose for photos, contributing to the immersive Hollywood experience. Other DreamWorks characters, including those from like and Gloria, also participate in rotational meet-and-greets throughout the operating hours. In The Smurfs' Village, guests can encounter Papa Smurf and Smurfette during dedicated sessions that emphasize playful, family-oriented interactions amid the whimsical village setting. The Lionsgate zone hosts appearances by Effie Trinket and Peacekeepers from The Hunger Games, offering themed photo opportunities that tie into the district's dystopian aesthetic. Columbia Pictures characters, including Dracula and Mavis from Hotel Transylvania, appear in the Studio Central or Columbia areas, where visitors can capture moments with these monstrous yet friendly icons. Interactions during these meet-and-greets follow standard theme park protocols, prioritizing quick, contactless exchanges where possible, with professional photographers available for official park photos alongside guest selfies. No physical contact such as hugging is typically permitted to ensure performer safety and efficient queuing, though high-fives or waves are common. Since the park's original opening in December 2016, character appearances have remained a core attraction, expanding in variety post the September 2020 reopening after a closure, with initial emphasis on health measures like masking and spacing that have since normalized.

Live Shows

Motiongate Dubai features a variety of scripted live performances, parades, and theatrical productions designed to immerse visitors in Hollywood-inspired entertainment, performed daily across the park's zones. The flagship nightly show at Hollywood Theatre is "Step Up Dubai, All In!", a high-energy production inspired by the Step Up film series, showcasing vibrant choreography, audience participation, and upbeat music in a 30-minute runtime. The theatre, located in Studio Central, has a seated capacity of 1,000 and features state-of-the-art lighting and sound for acrobatic sequences and movie tributes. Access to the show is included with park entry tickets, with no separate reservations required, though showtimes are scheduled multiple times daily, typically in the evening. In the DreamWorks zone, the "Kung Fu Panda Academy" offers a daily 20-minute interactive stunt demonstration where performers portraying Po and other characters lead audience training sessions in moves, emphasizing fun and physical engagement for families. This show highlights work and character-driven storytelling, with sessions accommodating groups of children and adults in a participatory format. The Smurfs' Village zone hosts the "Smurf Village Playhouse," a live interactive featuring Brainy Smurf and the cast in a scripted and storytelling session that encourages guest involvement through songs and simple games, lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Designed for younger audiences, the show takes place in a dedicated playhouse theater with tiered seating for about 200, promoting communal participation without additional ticketing. Parades route through Studio Central on a regular basis, featuring rotating themes with floats, dancers, and characters from the park's movie franchises, running through for durations of 20-25 minutes each. These processions start near the main entrance and loop through key pathways, allowing spectators to view from open areas without reserved seating.

Events

Annual Events

Motiongate Dubai hosts "Festive Thrills," an annual December event that transforms the into a wonderland with elaborate decorations, including a 40-foot and twinkling light displays throughout the themed zones. Characters from DreamWorks, , and other franchises don festive outfits for meet-and-greets and interactive experiences, while special live shows feature -themed performances blending cinematic with seasonal and dance. This event, running from mid-December to early January since its in 2017, overlays the park's standard attractions with family-focused enhancements like street entertainment and photo opportunities to create an immersive Hollywood-inspired atmosphere. Following the , Motiongate Dubai's annual events evolved to emphasize safer, family-oriented activities, with a focus on outdoor gatherings and contactless interactions to boost visitor confidence. at Parks and Resorts, including Motiongate, rebounded significantly post-restrictions, driven by resumed large-scale celebrations. Events incorporated elements like gift giveaways and treat distributions during character encounters to enhance the joyful, inclusive experience for families, helping the park recover from the sharp attendance drops during 2020-2021 closures. The park integrates its annual events with Dubai's cultural calendar, notably aligning with UAE National Day celebrations on December 2-3, featuring patriotic-themed shows, displays, and special ticket promotions that highlight national pride alongside the park's cinematic thrills. These tie-ins, held annually since 2017, include live performances in Studio Central and character appearances in UAE flag-inspired attire, drawing families to combine national festivities with the park's entertainment offerings. For the 54th Eid Al Etihad in 2025 (November 29 to December 3), Motiongate Dubai offered themed entertainment, roaming performers, and special offers to celebrate UAE unity.

Seasonal Programming

Motiongate Dubai's seasonal programming emphasizes temporary, theme-specific events tied to holidays, blending cinematic attractions with cultural and festive elements to create immersive experiences for visitors. The park's flagship Halloween event, Fright Nights, launched in 2018 and has become an annual tradition featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and thematic overlays on select rides, such as zombie-infused experiences inspired by horror films. Early iterations included a SAW franchise maze and two zombie-themed zones, evolving into larger-scale productions with street performances, live shows, and a mix of family-friendly daytime activities and nighttime thrills. In 2025, Fright Nights 8: Phantasmagoria, directed by the fictional "Evil M. Reel," ran from October 1 to November 2 on Wednesdays through Sundays, incorporating cinematic horror zones, a zombie-led parade with electrifying stunts, and chilling stage shows like theatrical horror performances. Complementing Halloween, Eid programming fuses local cultural traditions with the park's movie heritage, featuring decorations, special live shows, and promotional deals to encourage family visits. For instance, during in 2025, guests experienced movie-themed entertainment, unlimited rides, character meet-and-greets, and festive buffets blending with Hollywood flair. Eid Al Etihad celebrations in late 2024 offered a Buy 3 Get 1 Free ticket promotion, alongside parades and interactive games tied to characters. Earlier events have included custom productions like the "Jukebox Evolution" show at the Hollywood Theatre, highlighting musical numbers from blockbusters amid park-wide festive setups. These events operate with adjusted logistics to maximize engagement, including extended hours—such as park closure at midnight during Fright Nights: The Party from October 31 to November 2, 2025—and dedicated add-on tickets starting at AED 295 (online) for full access to premium features like horror mazes and fireworks, separate from standard day passes. Such programming ensures seasonal visits differ from regular operations by introducing limited-time overlays and holiday-specific narratives.

References

  1. https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai
  2. https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai/zones
  3. https://www.coaster101.com/2016/10/01/dubai-parks-resorts-grand-opening-dates/
  4. https://www.dubaiholding.com/en/who-we-are/our-companies/dubai-holding-entertainment
  5. https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai/attraction
  6. https://www.inparkmagazine.com/forrec-lionsgate-zone-2022/
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  45. https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai/attraction/dragon-gliders
  46. https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai/attraction/shreks-merry-fairy-tale-journey
  47. https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai/attraction/madagascar-mad-pursuit
  48. https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai/attraction/kung-fu-panda-unstoppable-awesomeness
  49. https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai/attraction/penguin-air
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