Dubai: About 100 life-size animatronic dinosaurs have descended in the heart of Dubai to greet visitors to Dubai Garden Glow when the glow-in-the-dark park opens for its second season on Sunday.
The first-of-its-kind Dinosaur Park in the region will be the new attraction at the 60-acre garden in area B of Zabeel Park, which was open from December last year through summer this year in its first season.
The roars of the dinos that move their heads and tails, with their mouths wide open, give the feel of a mini Jurassic Park in the backdrop of the skyscrapers on Shaikh Zayed Road.
Three eras of dinosaurs are displayed, showing various life stages of the pre-historic animals and their extinction due to various phenomena, officials said during a media preview of the facility on Tuesday night.
A dino lab where the birth of dinos from eggs is shown, a museum where models of their skeletons are showcased, and activities like feeding and riding dinos are also part of the Dino Park.
“We have focused on a theme of ‘lost horizon’ with an ode to the extinct species. We have tried to showcase awareness on animals that have either become extinct or are on the verge of extinction,” Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman, Falak Holdings, said.
A joint venture between Dubai Municipality and The Retailers Investment, a member of the Falak Holding group, the nature-inspired glow park showcases some magnificent LED-lit creative installations depicting the underwater world, animal kingdom and the galaxy.
The glowing garden is brighter and more colourful this season with an estimated five million LED lights lighting up the artistic installations.
The Talking Tree, which was one of the main attractions last season, and the replica of Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque are retained while the Burj Khalifa replica has got a makeover for the new season.
ive shows, a food street and a smart Palm (free WiFi hub) are the other attractions.
The entry fee to the garden through gate number 6 of Zabeel Park remains Dh60. Many residents had flayed the high ticket price last season saying it might leave the fairy land a distant dream for middle-income families in Dubai. However, officials said season 2 promises double the value for the visitors’ money with twin attractions in one destination.
“Most of the theme parks are based on rides and adventures and they, too, have high ticket prices. Here, we are focusing on an experience that is closer to nature,” said Falaknaz.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, director-general of Dubai Municipality, said Dubai prides itself as one of the leading leisure and entertainment destinations of the world aiming to attract a diverse audience across age groups. “With such world-class edutainment projects, we encourage residents as well as visitors to enjoy Dubai’s parks and recreation areas to the fullest. Being outdoors and absorbing nature is a vital element when it comes to promoting good health and happiness,” he added.
The garden will be open from 4pm to 11pm on all days till the end of April.
