Brief
Dubai theme parks see surge in UAE resident visitors as international tourism dips
Fernando Eiroa says families are driving higher attendance and new attractions are being added this season.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai's theme parks and attractions have recorded a sharp rise in visits from UAE residents, even as international tourist numbers fell earlier this year, according to Fernando Eiroa, chief executive of Dubai Holding Entertainment, in an interview with Khaleej Times on the launch of the group's new season.
Eiroa said families are seeking activities amid uncertain times, prompting the operator to roll out special events, programmes and promotions that "worked extremely well." He noted that after Global Village reopened earlier this year, some days saw higher visitor numbers than before the closure.
Other venues under the company's umbrella are also performing strongly. Roxy Cinemas is "doing very, well," and Green Planet has posted a strong performance. MotionGate, now fully reopened, is seeing children and families throughout the park, and the operator has high expectations for the season.
The downtime earlier in the year was used to accelerate planned improvements. Global Village announced new pavilions, a roller coaster called Tokyo Rush, additional restaurants and concerts. At Riverland in Dubai Parks and Resorts, more than 14 new attractions have been added, including bowling with arcade games, a Lamborghini driving‑simulator experience and an expanded go‑kart track that is now three times its previous size. MotionGate introduced the Addams Family show, described by Eiroa as "Broadway quality."
Eiroa hinted at further expansion, mentioning a new park and hotels in the pipeline for Dubai Parks and Resorts, as well as upcoming Roxy Cinemas locations and new animals and experiences at Green Planet. The T‑rex glamping concept, launched last season at DPR, is also being revived.
Key facts
- UAE resident visits to Dubai theme parks have risen sharply as international tourism fell. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Global Village saw higher visitor numbers on some days after reopening earlier this year. (khaleejtimes.com)
- New attractions this season include Tokyo Rush roller coaster, Lamborghini driving simulator, expanded go‑kart track, and Addams Family show. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Roxy Cinemas and Green Planet are reporting strong performance, with plans for expansion. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “UAE residents drive visitor numbers at Dubai theme parks as domestic tourism rises”
