Motiongate is the star attraction at Dubai Parks and Resorts. The Hollywood-inspired theme park opened at the end of 2016 and is underwritten by film studios DreamWorks, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate.
The park features around 30 rides and attractions spread around 5 unique zones.
Studio Central
Visitors enter the park though a huge movie reel gate and enter Studio Central. The first zone is styled like a 1950s New York street and offers shopping and dining options.
A central hub with an impressive fountain leads to the other 4 zones; DreamWorks, Lionsgate, Columbia Pictures, and Smurfs Village.
DreamWorks
DreamWorks is a huge, climate-controlled, indoor area. It is best appreciated during summer daytimes when the temperature soars. It contains four areas based around the animated movies Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and Madagascar.
Rides here boast impressive entrances and theming.
Lionsgate
The Lionsgate area is home to the only rides in the world inspired by The Hunger Games. There’s also a Step Up stage show.
Columbia Pictures
The Columbia Pictures area boasts family-friendly rides based on films such as Hotel Transylvania, Underworld, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Ghostbusters.
The Smurfs
This brightly coloured Smurfs-themed area has attractions catering to young children.
Riverland connects Motiongate to the other parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts; Bollywood Parks, LEGOLAND, and LEGOLAND Water Park.
List of Rides
Motiongate offers a good mix of rides for children and adults.
Wait times are clearly displayed at ride entrances. Rides also boast free lockers.
Restaurants
Restaurants and cafes at Motiongate include:
Food and drink purchased outside Motiongate is not permitted (except infant/special dietary foods).
Shops
Souvenir and gift shops include:
Timings
Motiongate is open every day of the year.
Visit on a weekday to avoid queues. At the time of writing most visitors to the park are UAE/Dubai residents. Note that the weekend in Dubai is Friday and Saturday.
In the summer months the daytime temperature is high. Experience the indoor rides at DreamWorks to avoid the heat. Take in the rest of the park after sunset.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Multi-park tickets offer good savings.
QFast passes are an add-on that allow visitors to skip the lines on selected rides. They may be worth purchasing at weekends and public holidays.
Entrance to Motiongate is free for small children (aged 3 and under).
Annual passes are good value for UAE residents intending to visit regularly.
Location
Motiongate is located in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai, close to the border with Abu Dhabi.
There is no Dubai Metro station nearby. The closest is UAE Exchange; the western terminus of the Red Line. It is approximately 7 miles from the park. Visitors wishing to save a little money on taxi fares, could take a train to UAE Exchange and complete the journey by taxi.
Bus service DPR1 goes directly to Motiongate/Dubai Parks and Resorts. It departs from the Ibn Battuta Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
There are over 10,000 free car parking spaces at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Paid valet parking is available.
