Discover the best UAE theme parks with this guide. These are the top places for thrillseekers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
The UAE has firmly established itself as one of the world’s top theme park destinations – we always love hitting up a new park each time we visit. Whether you’re on the hunt for adrenaline or want to cool down (which is, let’s face it, very likely), there are plenty of spots to get your fun fix.
There are big hitters like Motiongate and IMG World of Adventure, plus some lesser known gems, too. As major theme park fans, we bring you the – unofficial – guide to the top spots.
The Best Theme Parks in the UAE
Best UAE Theme Parks and Water Parks
Motiongate, Dubai
We don’t like to play favourites, but Motiongate might just take the crown of best theme park in the UAE. Located within the sprawling Dubai Parks and Resorts, this theme park pays homage to three iconic movie studios: DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Studios, and Lionsgate. Every corner of the park has been meticulously crafted to transport visitors into the heart of beloved films like Shrek, The Hunger Games, and Ghostbusters.
Our favourite attraction is the Capitol Bullet Train, a rollercoaster inspired by The Hunger Games, while families with young children will adore the whimsical charm of Smurfs Village. Don’t skip out on the live shows and themed restaurants – they’re some of the best in Dubai (and help you to escape from the heat!)
Legoland, Dubai
You cannot go wrong with Legoland – a UAE theme park perfect for both young and old. Located within the Dubai Parks and Resorts area, this interactive park features thrilling rides, creative play zones, and iconic LEGO characters, all set against a colourful backdrop.
Miniland is a highlight, where you can marvel at intricate models of famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Taj Mahal. That’s right – all meticulously constructed from millions of LEGO bricks. You won’t find extreme rides in the park, but the LEGO Kingdoms offers sufficient thrills in the form of the Dragon Coaster, while LEGO City invites young adventurers to take the wheel in interactive driving experiences.
IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai
Sprawled across an impressive 1.5 million square feet, IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of the best theme parks in the UAE. The park is divided into six immersive zones, with plenty of themed dining spots and retail outlets on site, too.
The Lost Valley transports guests to a land of animatronic dinosaurs, featuring rides like the Velociraptor, one of Dubai’s fastest rollercoasters. Sure, it might not quite rival the Velocicoaster, but it’s certainly not to be sniffed at. Plus fans of action-packed adventures will love the Marvel Zone, where superheroes like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Thor take centre stage.
Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi
If you’ve only got one day to spare in Abu Dhabi, make sure you visit Warner Bros. World. It’s one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks and is divided into six brilliantly themed lands.
Metropolis invites you to join Superman and the Justice League in saving the day, while Gotham City plunges you into the shadowy streets of Batman’s iconic world. Cartoon Junction and Dynamite Gulch are brimming with childhood favourites like Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo. Each of which is brought to life in playful rides and charming shows. Meanwhile, Bedrock, the prehistoric town of The Flintstones, is perfect for families, with stone-age adventures and plenty to do.
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Aquaventure Water Park, Dubai
One of our favourite places in Dubai – and somewhere we will always return to – is the Aquaventure water park. Located inside the Atlantis, The Palm and set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, this award-winning waterpark is the largest in the world. The chance to cool off in the unrelenting Dubai heat is reason to visit alone.
Even if you’re not typically a fan of waterparks, you will be spoilt for choice with adrenaline-pumping attractions like the iconic Leap of Faith (a near-vertical slide), Odyssey of Terror, the world’s tallest water coaster, and Aquaconda, the world’s largest water tube ride. Also, make sure you spend some time floating through the Lazy River. It’s one of the best we’ve ever experienced.
SeaWorld, Abu Dhabi
Whether you’re a fan of thrills or a budding marine biologist, make sure you spend a day at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The park blends education, conservation, and entertainment with over 100,000 marine animals, interactive exhibits, and knee-wobbling attractions.
The Endless Ocean, home to one of the world’s largest multi-species aquariums, offers a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant underwater world. Plus, don’t miss rides like Hypersphere 360°, a thrilling dome-theatre experience, and Arctic Rescue, a fast-paced adventure. Meanwhile, younger guests will adore hands-on encounters at the Tropical Reef and playful shows at Sea Lion Cove.
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Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Get revved up at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a big fan of the brand to enjoy the park; this iconic indoor UAE theme park is a celebration of speed and innovation.
There are plenty of rides, but the park’s crown jewel is Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster. This attraction catapults riders to a heart-pounding speed of 240 km/h in just seconds. It’s an experience as close to Formula 1 racing as you can get without stepping into a cockpit.
Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi
Most people prefer to head to Dubai’s Aquaventure to cool off… but don’t underestimate Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi. The park is themed around The Legend of the Lost Pearl, which follows a young girl’s quest to retrieve a magical treasure.
Our first impression was that the park is surprisingly huge, with over 40 thrilling rides, slides, and attractions. Test your bravery on Jebel Drop, a near-vertical freefall slide. Or, head to the world’s largest surfable sheet wave on Bubbles Barrel. Arrive early to secure a shaded cabana, and don’t miss the daily pearl diving experience – it’s pretty unique.
UAE Theme Park Map
Where to Stay in the UAE
Not sure where to bed down? The UAE is made up of seven independent city-states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Most people choose to stay in Abu Dhabi or Dubai – we prefer Dubai. From here, you can take day trips to other places within the UAE. Ideally, spend a week in Dubai and a couple of days in Abu Dhabi, so you can see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
