To be thrown open for visitors from 31st October 2016, Dubai Parks and Resorts is a heady mix of leisure and entertainment, featuring the best of the East and the West, including three world-class theme parks, a water park, a hotel and a retail and dining district. Vasujit Kalia speaks with Vinit Dinesh Shah, Chief Destination Management Officer of Dubai Parks & Resorts.
Do you want to share your opening plans which are slated for October this year? What will you do to make it a resounding success?
Dubai Parks and Resorts will open its doors to the public on 31st October, 2016. Our teams are working round the clock to ensure all aspects of the destination are ready to welcome our guests. Although, we cannot disclose any specific details about the activities at this stage, but we have many announcements to make in the upcoming weeks that will build anticipation and excitement for the opening day of our multi-theme park destination.
We are creating a unique leisure and entertainment destination featuring the best of the East and the West, including three world-class theme parks, a water park, a hotel and a retail and dining district. Once opened in October, we will be the largest multi-theme park destination in the Middle East, with over 100 rides and attractions over 25 million square feet. ‘Experience Amazing’ is what we promise to deliver to every single guest.
The park once open will become the Middle East’s largest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination comprising three separate theme parks. Can you throw some light on the ticket prices details of which were announced by Dubai Parks and Resorts earlier this year?
We have recently announced the daily ticket prices for the much-awaited theme park destination. Pre-purchased standard adult tickets will range from AED 240 to AED 330 for one-day single park ticket, while the multiple parks multiple days’ ticket will range between AED 480 and AED 890.
As a part of the pre-launch campaign you recently announced the release of the official theme song which was created in creative collaboration with the legendary academy award winner Alan Menken. Which other campaigns do you have in store?
Come October 31st, Dubai Parks and Resorts will open its gates to the world. It is a moment everybody has been waiting for. After all, it is the region’s largest integrated theme park destination, boasting three theme parks and one water park all placed together at one incredible location. So to help drum up excitement and enthusiasm, we will roll out an integrated campaign aptly titled ‘Where Amazing Meets Amazing’ in the months ahead. The campaign gets off the blocks with a star-studded epic commercial that showcases all the incredible attractions that will soon come to Dubai Parks and Resort and guests will experience fun, excitement and adventure of MOTIONGATE Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, LEGOLAND Water Park, as well as Lapita Hotel and Riverland Dubai.
Recently the park has partnered with Shahrukh Khan to shoot the high speed chase scenes for its immersive 3D ride – Don: The Chase which will premiere at the opening of Bollywood Parks Dubai? Which other Bollywood stars will be coming to shoot in your parks?
Being the world’s first Bollywood themed park, Bollywood Parks Dubai, part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, has partnered with the best of the industry to ensure that every element at the Park exudes Bollywood. As far as the actors are concerned, we have collaborated with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, whether that be the Khans of Bollywood or Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar. This iconic dream team has joined hands with Bollywood Parks Dubai to ensure an immersive experience for the eager ride seekers. Not only have we teamed up with the biggest names in Bollywood, but also with an award winning team of producers, innovative designers, creative writers and directors to bring to guests the very best of what Bollywood has to offer.
You have collaborated with the best of Bollywood to recreate the magic of some of its biggest movies via thrilling 3D and 4D cinematic rides, what exactly will you be doing to capture the imagination of normal Indian film lover?
All our rides and attractions have been recreated from some of the biggest hits from the Indian Film Industry — be it flying with the Indian superhero Krrish or simply enjoying a lavish dinner at the Mughal-e-Azam inspired fine dining restaurant. Visitors to the world’s first Bollywood inspired theme park will get a variety of cinematic experiences. The 1.7 million-square-feet park will have 16 rides and attractions, inspired by contemporary Hindi-language blockbusters, including superstar Shahrukh Khan’s Don and RA.One, Salmaan Khan’s Dabangg, Aamir Khan’s Lagaan, Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish, Farhan Akhtar’s Rock On and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, in addition to cult classics like Sholay and Mughal-e-Azam. Segregated into five zones and dedicated to various rides and attractions, including street food carts straight from the streets of Mumbai, each zone at the park has a story to narrate;
- Bollywood Boulevard: The district is also the entrance to the world’s first Bollywood inspired theme park, so the elements displayed at the zone range from the Gate Way of India to the colourful sights and sounds of this vibrant country.
- Mumbai Chowk: Staying true to the feel of a street market, this district includes design elements from the famous Bazaars in Mumbai. Also sites like the local train and street-style food carts will exhibit the true nature of Mumbai.
- Rustic Ravine: Inspired by Bollywood hits such as the Aamir Khan productions award winning hit Lagaan and Global Pictures Services legendary Sholay, this district will take you to the village set up of India where you can familiarize with the local touch and textures. The culinary options will also share the same ethos, replicating the famous Dhabbas that you see on Indian highways.
- Royal Plaza: As the name suggests, the inspiration taken, is from the rich Mughal dynasty that has translated into major monuments and palaces in India today. Mughal-e-azam, the fine dining restaurant has intricate detailing that reflects the known design elements from the era. you will be treated like Royalty at Mughal-e-Azam, with interiors set to impress and a cuisine that pays homage to the splendor of ancient kings, this venue is fit for Royalty.
Given robust air-connection, stronger movement in leisure segment on the cards
Bollywood Parks Dubai also plans to introduce the first Broadway-style Bollywood Musical to the region at the flagship property – the Rajmahal Theatre, can you please elaborate?
The heart and soul of Bollywood Parks Dubai, the stunning Rajmahal Theatre has taken its inspiration from the beautiful palaces and intricate architecture designs seen in India. Reflecting the artistic brilliance from the Mughal era, the Rajmahal Theatre embodies elements of design that will leave the visitors spellbound. This world-class venue seats 850 people, and will host the region’s first, separately ticketed, Broadway-style Bollywood musical several times a week. The 60,000 square foot stage will also feature VIP boxes and exclusive lounges.
How do you see India as a market for multi-themed leisure and entertainment parks like yours and do you plan to expand to Indian sub-continent as well?
There are currently no world-class theme parks within a seven-hour flight time of Dubai showing that there is a large untapped market for theme parks in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. It is conveniently located within easy reach of four international airports making it easily accessible for international visitors.
Digitalization is the key word today. How do you plan to use it to increase your footfalls?
We have collaborated with Etisalat, a multinational UAE based telecommunications services provider, to create the region’s first-of-its-kind integrated ‘smart’ theme park destination. We’ll also implement a set of smart applications and solutions to offer an innovative experience before, during and after the visit to the resort.
