ME’s biggest Theme Parks
The Big Project tours the most impressive water and theme parks in the region
If any region is going to succeed at bigger, faster, more, it’s the Middle East and not so long ago the plan was for Dubai to not only be home to the world’s greatest collection of iconic buildings, but also more theme parks than Orlando, Florida.
Of the top 10 global theme park groups four have, at some point over the last decade, publically stated intentions to develop parks in the UAE.
The Kipp Report writes: “In Dubai alone—a city of more than 1.2 million people during the pre-boom—there were over 13 theme parks ranging from $400m to $3.5bn planned.”
Then it all went wrong. Despite licences being issued, foundations being dug and arch ways constructed, it wasn’t long before the circus left town.
But that doesn’t mean the party has ended. As IMG Group finalises a deal with Marvel Entertainment to build a 32,516m2 theme park at City of Arabia, Dubai, The Big Project rounds up the region’s themed fun offerings; the built, the dreamt and the too crazy to build.
