SAW, The Strangers and LEGO ghosts: Dubai Parks and Resorts reopens tomorrow

Dubai Parks and Resorts reopens to visitors tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7, after more than six months of closure.

All four of the destination's parks are coming back at once: MOTIONGATE Dubai, Real Madrid World, LEGOLAND Dubai Resort and The World of Riverland. The reopening is timed just ahead of the October mid-term school break, and Halloween season starts on the same day.

Here's what's new this season, and what to expect at each park.

Fright Nights returns to Motiongate

Motiongate Dubai's annual Halloween event is back for its ninth edition. Fright Nights IX runs from opening day, October 7, until November 8.

Two of this year's experiences are based on Lionsgate horror films.

SAW: Trial by Terror puts visitors inside Jigsaw's world from the SAW franchise. Motiongate's teaser says every choice there comes with consequences, and that "standing still isn't exactly an option."

The Strangers: Trapped is based on the masked intruders from The Strangers films. The park's teaser asks visitors whether they'd "run or stay very, very quiet."

More details of this year's full line-up are expected as the event opens. In previous years, Fright Nights has included themed mazes, live shows and a nightly parade.

What's new at The World of Riverland

The World of Riverland, the destination's dining and entertainment area, has two new additions this season.

It now has a bowling experience and Lamborghini Automobili Racing Simulators, alongside its existing line-up of competitive games. Those include go-karting, archery, axe throwing, shooting challenges, mini golf, the puzzle rooms Perplex City and The Hidden Chamber, and the indoor Neon Galaxy arcade.

Riverland is spread across four themed zones: French Village, Boardwalk, Sports Boulevard and The Peninsula. Each has its own restaurants and cafes, so you can visit just for dinner and a game, without a theme park ticket.

Entry starts from Dh25, with individual activities priced separately.

What's new at LEGOLAND Dubai Resort

Legoland starts its new season with a brand-new daily sound-and-light show at Miniland.

Miniland is the resort's indoor, air-conditioned area, built from 20 million LEGO bricks. It recreates Dubai's skyline and other landmarks from the region and beyond, and includes a 17-metre LEGO Burj Khalifa, the tallest MINILAND model in the world.

The season is themed "Connecting Through Play" and aimed at families with children aged two to 12. The theme park has more than 40 rides and attractions, while Legoland Water Park has 20 slides and water attractions.

More is planned before the end of the year. That includes a reimagined Factory Experience, an interactive Master Model Builder Academy, and The Wave, a new splash pad for younger children at the water park. LEGOLAND Hotel is also introducing upgraded LEGO Friends-themed rooms.

Tickets cost Dh295 online or Dh330 at the gate.

Halloween at Legoland

For younger children, Legoland has a gentler take on Halloween. Celebrations run from October 7 to November 2, and all the activities are included in a Legoland day ticket.

• Brick-or-Treat Candy Trail. Families can follow a trail around the theme park, collecting sweets from HARIBO along the way.

• Ghost hunting in Miniland. Ghosts are hiding among the LEGO models, and children can try to spot them all.

• Halloween LEGO builds. There are hands-on building activities with a Halloween twist.

• Live shows. The day starts with the Wacky Witches Welcome Show, and ends with the VIM Dance Party, short for Very Important Monster.

• Monster Treats. Halloween-themed desserts are on sale across the park, along with a refillable cup featuring this year's Monster Party design.

The celebrations continue at Legoland Hotel for families staying overnight. There are Halloween decorations, LEGO and arts and crafts activities, a Pumpkin Hunt, character meet-and-greets, Olivia's Mini Monster Zumba and a Monster Pyjama Party. BRICKS Family Restaurant is also serving a Halloween-themed buffet, along with Monster Smoothies.

'An exciting season ahead'

Fernando Eiroa, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment, which runs the destination, said the reopening was an important moment.

"The reopening of Dubai Parks and Resorts marks a significant moment for us and our guests. Bringing together world-class rides and immersive entertainment, family attractions, dining and staycations, the destination offers something for residents and visitors of all ages," he said.

"As the season begins, we are building on this diverse offering with new experiences to discover and more reasons to visit and return. We have an exciting season ahead, with much more still to come."

Motiongate Dubai

Outside of Fright Nights, the Hollywood-inspired park has 29 rides and attractions based on films from DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate.

Families can explore areas themed around Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and The Smurfs, or ride Dragon Gliders, which features Hiccup and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. For bigger thrills, there's the indoor Madagascar Mad Pursuit coaster and The Hunger Games: Capitol Bullet Train.

Real Madrid World

The world's only Real Madrid theme park has more than 40 attractions and experiences built around the Spanish football club.

Highlights include the Hala Madrid Coaster and Stars Flyer, which lifts riders around 140 metres above the park. Fans can also learn about the club's history at the Bernabéu Experience, practise their skills at La Fábrica Training Pitch, and see figures of football stars at Meet the Stars.

Staying over

For families who want to extend their visit, there's T-REX Glamping, a dinosaur-themed glamping site with air-conditioned tents that returns for a new season. Legoland Hotel and Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection, a Polynesian-themed resort, are also on site.

Tickets

Tickets for Motiongate Dubai and Real Madrid World start from Dh295, while entry to The World of Riverland starts from Dh25. Legoland Dubai tickets cost Dh295 online or Dh330 at the gate. Tickets can be booked on the Dubai Parks and Resorts website.

When: From Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (Fright Nights IX until November 8; Legoland Halloween until November 2)
Where: Dubai Parks and Resorts, off Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Palm Jebel Ali
Price: Motiongate Dubai and Real Madrid World from Dh295; Legoland Dubai Dh295 online, Dh330 at the gate; The World of Riverland from Dh25