Dubai's largest theme-park destination has a date for welcoming families back. Dubai Parks and Resorts will reopen on Wednesday, 7 October, after being closed for more than six months.

Four destinations, one reopening date

Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai Resort and The World of Riverland will all open their gates that day. The destination closed in March as a precaution, in line with official guidance, and reopens just ahead of the October mid-term break for UAE school students. The closure formed part of broader safety measures taken by several Dubai attractions during regional geopolitical tensions.

The timing is deliberate. The reopening comes just ahead of the mid-term break, giving families more ways to spend time together. With cooler weather arriving, outdoor attractions become far more comfortable, and the season stretches through to the end of March.

What is new

Riverland is adding a bowling attraction and Lamborghini Automobili racing simulators to its lineup. Fernando Eiroa, chief executive of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said the reopening is a significant moment for the destination and that more experiences are still to come this season.

What to expect at each park

Motiongate Dubai. The Hollywood-inspired park has 29 rides and attractions based on DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate. Rides include Madagascar Mad Pursuit, Dragon Gliders and The Hunger Games – Capitol Bullet Train, with areas themed around Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and The Smurfs.

Real Madrid World. Billed as the world's only Real Madrid theme park, it offers more than 40 attractions and experiences, including the Hala Madrid Coaster, the Stars Flyer that rises 460 feet above the park, the Bernabéu Experience and the La Fábrica training pitch.

Legoland Dubai Resort. Opened in 2016 as the first Legoland in the Middle East, the park has six themed lands and uses 20 million Lego bricks to recreate landmarks from Dubai and across the region. It has more than 40 rides and attractions, and the resort also includes a water park with 20 slides and the Legoland Hotel.

The World of Riverland. Positioned as an affordable family entertainment hub, Riverland offers go-karting, archery, axe throwing, shooting challenges, puzzle experiences, mini golf and arcade games.

Ticket prices

Tickets for Motiongate and Real Madrid World start from Dh295, while entry to Riverland starts from Dh25. These are starting prices only, so families should check the official booking page for date-specific availability and pricing.

Part of a wider autumn comeback

The parks are one piece of a broader reopening of Dubai's outdoor calendar. Global Village is preparing for Season 31, running from October 2026 to May 2027, while Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Safari Park are also scheduled or expected to return in the coming months. Some landmarks are on longer timelines, with the Museum of the Future closed for a full overhaul and the Burj Al Arab undergoing a major restoration.

For Dubai's tourism sector, a functioning theme-park cluster helps rebuild the family-holiday offer at the start of peak season. That recovery is running alongside aviation's. Dubai Airports says capacity at DXB has recovered to about 84 per cent of earlier levels, although several foreign airlines have yet to return.

Planning your visit

Families should book online ahead of the mid-term break, when demand is likely to be highest, and compare single-park and multi-day options. Check opening hours and any ride closures before travelling, as new attractions can open in phases. Visit early in the day to avoid queues, carry water, and plan around the weather. Confirm details on the official Dubai Parks and Resorts website, as pricing and availability can change.