Dubai: IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, welcomed recently its first biggest crowd since it opened its doors to the public.
More than 100,000 visitors from the UAE and abroad flocked to the 1.5 million-square-foot leisure and entertainment destination during the Eid Al Adha holidays.
Guests were treated to spectacular rides and attractions within the theme park, as well as a number of special activities to entertain families.
“Thrill seekers and chill seekers reported an unforgettable day out with the additional dance shows, magicians, acrobats and street artists for the Eid holiday providing a truly immersive experience," IMG Worlds said in a statement..
The turnout during Eid Al Adha has surpassed the park's daily foot traffic of 30,000 people. By one year, IMG Worlds expects to attract 4.5 million guests.
The theme park is fully indoors and promises to offer guests “an immersive” theme park experience. The attractions include popular characters and super heroes, featured at adventure zones, including the Cartoon Network and Marvel. Visitors can immerse in a prehistoric experience with the dinosaurs in the Lost Valley. It also has 25 original retail concept stores and 28 food and beverage outlets.
The opening of IMG Worlds is expected to provide a major boost to the UAE's global standing as a leisure and entertainment destination.
"There will surely be a surge in tour operators, including the theme park as part of their packages to customers and would be a key tourist product offering to worldwide markets wishing to visit Dubai," Geet Bhalla, co-founder and CEO of HolidayMe, told Gulf News.
Bhalla noted that Dubai is built on key landmarks and attractions, such as Burj Al Arab, the largest mall or the tallest tower. "All these directly impact and benefit the image of Dubai as a go-to destination worldwide, and provide excellent material for branding, marketing and sales distribution."
"Hence, the perception of the destination is further enhanced when you have an offering, such as the largest indoor theme park. Other key destinations with such offerings have witnessed great response and success such as Singapore's Sentosa Island and Hong Kong's Disneyland, as well as Florida's theme parks," Bhalla told Gulf News.
With the current attractions already in place and more in the pipeline, more tourists are expected to visit the UAE. By 2021, as more visitors come in, the UAE’s leisure and entertainment potential market will reach 45 million.
“The leisure and entertainment potential market will consist of three main visitor categories: international tourists staying in hotels, international visitors to friends and relatives and UAE residents who are income qualified and willing to drive,” a PwC report said.
Tickets to the newest theme park can be purchased online through the IMG Worlds website, with adult ticket prices costing Dh300 and children tickets priced at Dh250.
Ultimate Fast Track passes are also available for an additional Dh195 with Fast Track 3 passes at Dh125. Those who want to come back the next day can avail themselves of two-day passes for Dh500 for adults and Dh400 for children. Annual tickets are priced at Dh2,495 each.
Ticket price covers an “all-day adventure” or access to over 20 rides and attractions, including live shows and a 5D cinema experience. There will be a 12-screen Novo Cinema for everyone to enjoy, but its opening has yet to be announced.
