August 31st 2024.
Dubailand was envisioned to be the Middle East's version of Disney World - a place where families could escape to for magical experiences and unforgettable memories. However, despite its grand ambitions, Dubailand has not yet opened its doors to the public.
The world is filled with abandoned theme parks, once bustling with excitement and laughter, now left to decay and be forgotten. However, Dubailand is not one of those tragedies. Instead, it has faced its own unique challenges and continues to strive towards its goal of becoming a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure.
Nearly 21 years ago, plans for Dubailand were first announced, boasting a staggering budget of $64 billion - double the size of the renowned Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The project aimed to cover a vast area of 278 square kilometers, equivalent to the size of Dublin and three times larger than Disney World. Divided into six distinct "worlds", Dubailand promised a diverse range of attractions, including an "Eco-Tourism World" and a "Themed Leisure and Vacation World".
One of the most anticipated attractions within Dubailand was the Sahara Kingdom theme park, spanning over 4.9 million square feet and boasting a plethora of thrilling rides, both physical and virtual. Other features included a state-of-the-art gaming zone, an IMAX theatre, live and virtual entertainment shows, and luxurious hotels and residential accommodations.
Unfortunately, the global financial crisis of 2008 caused work on the project to come to a halt, and it was not until five years later that construction resumed. This delay resulted in most of the staff and workforce leaving, causing further setbacks and changes in management.
Although numerous attempts were made to revive the project, such as partnering with DreamWorks and Six Flags, Dubailand continued to face challenges and obstacles. However, in 2013, work finally resumed, and parts of the project, including the Dubai Miracle Garden and IMG Worlds of Adventure, have since opened to the public.
The Dubai Miracle Garden, home to over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants, has been welcoming visitors since 2013. Meanwhile, IMG Worlds of Adventure, with its three thrilling rollercoasters, has also become a popular attraction since its opening in 2016. However, Dubailand has been overshadowed by other nearby attractions, such as Legoland Dubai, which opened in the same year.
Located just 35km away from the Dubailand site, Legoland Dubai is part of the massive Dubai Parks and Resorts, spanning 25 million square feet and featuring Motiongate - a Hollywood-inspired theme park with rides and attractions inspired by popular films and characters.
Despite the setbacks and competition, Dubailand continues to push forward with its ambitious plans. It is expected that large parts of the project will be completed by 2025. However, as the vast land between Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road and the desert still remains empty, only time will tell if Dubailand will truly live up to its grand vision.
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