A Travel Guide to Motiongate Dubai
Dubai has some of the best theme parks in the world, each offering something unique to anyone who wants to have a good time.
But if you’re a fan of the movies, there’s only one theme park in the city that you should include in your bucket list: Motiongate Dubai.
Here, we’ll show you why this theme park is the only one of its kind in the world and what it has to offer.
What is Motiongate Dubai?
Motiongate Dubai is a theme park dedicated to the movies of four of Hollywood’s biggest movie studios: Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures and Lionsgate.
It’s one of the four theme parks in Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest integrated theme park in the Middle East.
Opened in 2016, Motiongate Dubai features attractions and rides inspired by some of the most successful movies in Hollywood.
The theme park is divided into six zones: Smurfs Village, DreamWorks, Lionsgate, Columbia Pictures, Studio Central and Hollywood Theater.
Each zone is not only inspired by the movies, but it also features different activities, meet and greet areas, rides and simulators that guarantee pure fun for all ages.
Best Time to Go
Motiongate Dubai is open all year round from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday to Thursday and from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Fridays to Saturdays.
But since a lot of the theme park’s attractions are outdoors, it’s best to visit it during winter, which runs from December to March, so the weather is not as hot.
If you also want to avoid the crowd, you should visit during the weekdays since Motiongate Dubai can be crowded on the weekends.
Things to Know
Here are some useful information that will help you make the most of your visit to Motiongate Dubai:
- Parking
You have different options for parking at Dubai Parks and Resorts. You can go with the standard parking, which can easily get filled on the weekends.
You also have preferred, premium and valet parking options with corresponding rates depending on how long you’ll stay insid the park.
- Ticket Prices
Motiongate Dubai offers different ticket options depending on the type of experience that you want and of course, your budget:
- Exploring the Park
It will take you a full day to explore Motiongate Dubai because of everything that it has to offer. So, make sure that you arrive at the area early to maximize your time.
It’s also very important to wear comfortable clothing and footwear to make it easier for you to explore the theme park.
How to Get Around
Trains: There’s no direct Metro line to Dubai Parks and Resorts where Motiongate is located. But you can take the Red Metro Line to Jebel Ali or UAE Exchange station. From here, you can ride a taxi to the theme park.
Buses: If a bus is the more convenient option for you, take one that stops at the Ibn Battuta Station. From there, the theme park is just a few minutes ride away to help you save on transportation costs.
Taxis: If you prefer to take the taxi, you can book one through Uber or Careem from anywhere in the city.
Car service: Most hotels in Dubai offer private car service for guests, so you can arrange that with your hotel to make your trip more convenient.
Where to Stay Near Motiongate
Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts – Autograph Collection
Address: Dubai Parks and Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 810 9999
Pricing: $$$
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You don’t need to go far to find a good hotel to stay in near Motiongate Dubai. Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts is part of the Autograph Collection Hotels that’s run by Marriott.
With a French Polynesian design, each suite is carefully designed with beautiful beds, private terraces or balconies and beautiful bathrooms for the best experience possible.
If you want the ultimate privacy, stay in one of the hotel’s three villas where you have your private space, garden and plunge pool.
You also get to enjoy scenic views every morning before you head out to the park, relax at the spa to cap off your day and dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants.
Legoland Hotel Dubai
Address: Dubai Parks and Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 825 1650
Pricing: $$$
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If you’re traveling with kids, make their Lego dreams come true by staying at the Legoland Hotel Dubai.
Each room in this hotel is designed in full Lego theme and can sleep up to five guests with a separate sleeping area for the little ones to enjoy.
You also get access to one park at Dubai Parks and Resorts for a one-night stay and two parks for two nights’ stay.
And if you’re travelling with a large group, you can book the Legoland Hotel’s Super Suite where you get interconnected rooms that can fit up to 26 guests.
Rove at The Park
Address: Dubai Parks and Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 561 9999
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
Modern, accessible and fun, Rove at the Park Hotel is perfectly located right where the action is.
Here, you can enjoy views of the roller coasters at Motiongate Dubai, the life sized Legos at Legoland Dubai, the slides at Legoland Waterpark and the shopping at Outlet Village.
This hotel has well-designed roomms and suites to accommodate the entire family and amenities that you’ll surely enjoy.
Where to Eat in Motiongate Dubai
Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop
Are you craving good Chinese food? Head over the the Valley of Peace and find Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.
This Chinese restaurant inside Motiongate Dubai serves classic Chinese food including fried rice, dumplings, egg tarts and of course, good noodles.
So, if all that exploring made you famished, this restaurant is the perfect place to load up and get more energy for the rest of the day.
Dragon Flame Grill
Spicy food lovers unite! Dragon Flame Grill is the spot to get some fiery food that will surely make you feel like a real dragon with all that chili on your mouth.
This restaurant is famous for putting a spicy twist to classic Emirati food like kebabs, shawarma and tabbouleh.
Order Dragon Flame Grill’s signature chili and curry, but expect to break a sweat while savoring these fiery dishes.
The restaurant isn’t hard to find. Just look for the biggest roller coaster in Motiongate Dubai and you’ll easily spot Dragon Flame Grill.
Very Smurfy Cafe
You can’t be a Smurfs fan and not enjoy a meal at the Very Smurfy Cafe at Motiongate Dubai.
This cute cafe is designed to look like a real Smurf house and it serves a diverse menu of pizzas, sandwiches, grilled chicken and other Arabic-inspired offerings that you’ll surely love.
Of course, you can’t leave without trying one of the Smurf-themed desserts for some sugar rush.
King Julien’s Side Show Cafe
Are you looking for a restaurant that serves good British food with some spontaneous entertainment on the side? Head to King Julien’s Side Show Cafe.
Here, you get to enjoy dishes like fish and chips, mash potatoes, quiche, chicken and the classic shepherd’s pie.
Look for the carnival area at Motiongate Dubai to spot this quaint but fun cafe.
What to Do in Motiongate Dubai
Explore Columbia Pictures
If you’re a fan of movies like Ghostbusters, Cloud with a Chance of Meatballs, Green Hornet and Hotel Transylvania, you’ll feel right at home at Columbia Pictures.
Here, you can enjoy rides and attractions like:
- Ghostbusters: Battle for New York. This ride will make you feel like a real ghostbuster where you shoot at ghosts using your proton-blasting guns.
- The Green Hornet: High Speed Chase. At 31 mph, you’ll surely feel like a real superhero while riding this roller coaster.
- Flint’s Imagination Lab. This interactive play area will surely be a favorite by your kids. Designed to look like a real lab, the little ones have a chance to perform different experiments and enhance their imagination through play.
- Zombie Land Blast Off. If you’re one of the few brave people who actually love zombies, then this ride is for you. Prepare to be surprised by a 58-meter tower drop that will surely leave you speechless.
Experience DreamWorks
DreamWorks is dedicated to four lands inspired by three of the studio’s most successful movie franchises: Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Shrek.
Here, you can enjoy attractions like:
- Melman-Go-Round. A favorite among younger kids, this carousel is designed after the movie Madagascar and will go around to the beat of the music.
- Camp Viking. Be prepared to get wet on this one becuase you’ll be shooting water guns, crawling on nets and fighting dragons like a true viking.
- Madagascar: Mad Pursuit. Madagascar may be a children’s movie, but this roller coaster has the reputation of being the craziest in Dubai. Get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime at 80 km/h.
Go Around Smurfs Village
Who doesn’t recognize the Smurfs? One of the most successful movie franchises in the world, the mushroom houses come to life at Smurfs Village.
Here, you can enjoy attractions like:
- Smurfs Studio. Take a tour around the famous Smurfs Studio on a ride where you’ll see different life-sized models of your favorite movie characters.
- Smurfs Village Express. Fulfill your dreams of being in a real Smurfs Village by riding the Smurfs Village express that lets you enjoy the forest town complete with mushroom houses and a beautiful farmyard.
- Woodland Play Park. If the kids want somewhere open to play, the Woodland Play Park is one of the best open areas in Motiongate Dubai for some running and climbing.
See What Lionsgate Has to Offer
Lionsgate is undeniably the most popular zone in Motiongate Dubai for those who love thrilling rides.
Here, you get to enjoy attractions and rides that include:
- Panem Arial Tour. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, you shouldn’t miss the Panem Arial Tour, a 4D motion simulator that lets you fly over Panem while being suspended to give you the real experience.
- Capitol Bullet Train. Another ride inspired by The Hunger Games, the Capitol Bullet Train takes you to different twists and turns at a dizzying 50 mph.
- Now You See Me: High Roller. If one roller coaster ride isn’t enough for you, there’s another one right in the same zone. Now You See Me: High Roller is one of the recently opened roller coasters in Motiongate Dubai, but it’s already gaining a huge reputation for being one of the fastest at 70 km/h.
- John Wick: Open Contract. Of course, you can’t be in Motiongate Dubai and not try out the 10-storey 4D roller coaster inspired by the famous John Wick franchise. If you’re looking for the ultimate roller coaster experience, this will surely give you one at a G-force of up to 2.8 g across a 310-meter track.
Where to Shop in Motiongate Dubai
The Shops at Motiongate Dubai
Image source: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Of course, you can’t just experience the rides at Motiongate Dubai. You also need to bring home some souvenirs, and there are plenty of shops around the park for some shopping.
- Daily Variety Store. Located at Studio Central, this shop has every merchandise you can think of from your favorite movies including toys, clothing and plush souvenirs.
- Sweet Sweet Nothings. Both the kids and adults with sweet tooth should stop by this store at Studio Central. Here, you can binge on gummy bears, jellybeans and other candies that will surely give you a sugar rush.
- Creature Comforts. If you or your kids love Hotel Transylvania, you should take home one of the souvenirs at Creature Comforts in Columbia Pictures.
- Shrek Shack. Whether it’s Fiona, Shrek or Donkey, you’ll have a grand time shopping for different Shrek-inspired products at the famous Shrek Shack.
What to Expect from Weather in Motiongate Dubai
Winter: Since Dubai is in the desert, you wouldn’t expect any heavy rainfall or snow during winter. But from December to March, temperatures in Dubai are cooler than the rest of the year and can drop to 16 degrees Celsius at night.
Summer: June to September are the hottest months in Dubai. Summer means extreme heat and humidity with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day. This means that it’s best to stay indoors and avoid going out and being exposed to the heat as much as possible.
Transition period: Dubai goes through two transition periods – April to May and October to November – when the weather is more unpredictable as the city switches seasons.
Apps to Download When Visiting Motiongate Dubai
Uber: Useful when booking a car service to take you around Dubai
iOs | Android
Careem: The local alternative to Uber in booking a private car service
iOs | Android
RTA Dubai Drive: Helps you navigate around Dubai and find the best parking spots if you’re driving your own car
iOs | Android