How about enjoying Hollywood movies in movie worlds, rides, family entertainment, and shows all in one place at Motiongate Dubai, the giant amusement park? It’s a Dubai Parks and Resorts location where you’ll get to experience the entertainment industry’s best movies, studios, and characters.
Inside the park, there are roller coasters, family rides, indoor attractions, shows, restaurants, themed rides, and experiences from Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate, the colourful worlds of DreamWorks Animation, and the Smurfs.
This guide will cover all aspects of what a first-time visitor should know about Motiongate Dubai, such as its content, its worth, its location, the rides and attractions, opening and closing times, ticket prices and approximate costs, accessibility and any restrictions, and some tips on planning your visit to Motiongate Dubai.
What is MOTIONGATE Dubai, and what can you do there?
MOTIONGATE Dubai is a Hollywood theme park located in Dubai Parks and Resorts at Sheikh Zayed Road in Jebel Ali.
It opened on 16 December 2016 as part of Dubai Parks and Resorts and is based on the relationships that have been formed with large studios, such as DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate.
The park is home to rides, shows, and themed attractions from popular movie worlds like Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, Ghostbusters, John Wick, and The Hunger Games.
It was developed with the intention that Dubai should become a premier tourist destination for internationally branded entertainment, and newer additions have since been added.
There are exciting adventures, 4D simulators, family rides, performances, character meet-and-greets, themed restaurants, and stores.
With a combination of indoor and outdoor attractions, Motiongate Dubai is a popular full-day attraction in Dubai for everyone, from adrenaline seekers to young families.
Motiongate Dubai at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Type of park | Hollywood-inspired theme park |
| Location | Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Rd, close to Jebel Ali |
| Themed Areas | The themed areas include Columbia Pictures, Lionsgate, DreamWorks Animation, Smurfs Village, and Studio Central. |
| Rides and attractions | The official park facilities listing includes some 27 rides, including 7 coaster rides and 1 water ride. |
| Indoor or outdoors | A combination of indoor, air-conditioned attractions and outdoor rides |
| Restaurants | 7 themed restaurants + food stalls |
| Shops | 15 retail and gift stores |
| Nearby parks | Dubai Parks and Resorts, including Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Real Madrid World, and Riverland Dubai |
| Official website | dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai |
| Booking phone (UAE) | 800 AMAZING (800 2629464) |
Where Is Motiongate Dubai Located?
Located along Sheikh Zayed Road, Motiongate Dubai is part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts Complex, which is adjacent to Jebel Ali and opposite Palm Jebel Ali.
It is built next to Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Real Madrid World, and Riverland Dubai, all within walking distance.
The resort is roughly a 30-45-minute drive from a hotel near Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina and is about 45 minutes from central Dubai. It can be done in a couple of different ways:
- Car/taxi: Visitors can park for free on Sheikh Zayed Road, which has its own exit to the resort.
- The DPR 1 shuttle bus service runs from Ibn Battuta Metro Station to Dubai Parks and Resorts about every 75 minutes throughout the day.
- Ride-hailing app or private transfer: many visitors use this service in addition to picking them up from their hotel, particularly if they are arriving early.
- Visitor parking: On-site parking is available for visitors who do not wish to self-park, for an extra charge.
Motiongate Dubai’s Themed Zones and Worlds
Motiongate Dubai is divided into five themed zones.
Each has its own rides, appearance, and feel, and is themed around a different film studio or character brand.
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Columbia Pictures
This area is based around Columbia Pictures-themed rides and interactive attractions, some of which are coaster-style.
Visitors can embark on a Ghostbusters adventure to save New York, experience an Underworld-style adventure with Lycans, and explore sets from other films.
It is likely to be a lively, fast-paced environment.
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DreamWorks Animation
This area is entirely indoors and is split into four sections, each referring to Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, and Shrek.
This features Dragon Gliders, a suspended coaster based on Toothless and Hiccup, Kung Fu Panda Unstoppable Awesomeness 4D, and the Melman-Go-Round family ride.
This zone is particularly pleasant on hot days, as it is indoor and air-conditioned.
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Lionsgate
The Lionsgate zone is a collection of attractions based on The Hunger Games and John Wick, as well as food.
The park claims the world’s fastest spinning roller coaster, Now You See Me: High Roller, is available, along with a Panem Aerial Tour and a 4D John Wick-inspired flying coaster that you can choose sides on.
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Smurfs Village
A more relaxed and family-oriented area dedicated to The Smurfs.
It features an interactive play area, a theatre presentation, and the Smurfberry Factory for little ones to enjoy with the family on the way.
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Studio Central
On a New York street itself, Studio Central is the place where visitors can discover the world behind the scenes of films, understand filmmaking, and enjoy theater like Hollywood Theatre.
Perfect as a starting or ending point to a day at the park, it connects to multiple food and retail locations.
What are the best rides at Motiongate Dubai?
The park categorises its attractions from high to low and also provides height restrictions for each and every ride on its website.
This document is an overview of the park, listed by categories from the park’s official pages.
Thrills and coaster-type rides.
- Spinning roller coaster in the Lionsgate zone: Now You See Me: High Roller.
- How to Train Your Dragon’s suspended roller coaster, called Dragon Gliders.
- Lionsgate theme park 4D flying coaster themed around John Wick.
- Columbia Pictures “coaster”-style theme park rides about Ghostbusters and Underworld.
Family rides
- Camp Viking is an interactive water-based family activity.
- Musical Carousel DreamWorks, Melman-go-round (95 cm+).
- The park’s water ride is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs River Expedition.
Children’s rides and kiddie rides
- Penguin Air is a kiddie ride based on the theme of flying, with a minimum height of 105 cm.
- Mr. Ping’s Noodle Fling spinning teacup, minimum height 90 cm.
- Smurfberry Factory is a family fun place with a playscape component.
Indoor and 4D attractions
- Kung Fu Panda Unstoppable Awesomeness: a 4D simulator (minimum height 105 cm).
- Panem Aerial Tour: a 4D hovercraft motion simulator based on The Hunger Games, minimum height: 100 cm.
- Hollywood Theatre, which is an indoor live show venue in Studio Central.
| Ride | Zone | Type | Approx. minimum height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now You See Me: High Roller | Lionsgate | Spinning roller coaster | Check the official listing |
| Dragon Gliders | DreamWorks Animation | Suspended roller coaster | Check the official listing |
| Kung Fu Panda Unstoppable Awesomeness | DreamWorks Animation | 4D simulator | 105 cm |
| Panem Aerial Tour | Lionsgate | 4D motion simulator | 100 cm |
| Melman-Go-Round | DreamWorks Animation | Family carousel | 95 cm |
| Penguin Air | DreamWorks Animation | Kiddie flight ride | 105 cm |
| Mr. Ping’s Noodle Fling | DreamWorks Animation | Kiddie spinning ride | 90 cm |
| Camp Viking | Park facility | Interactive water play | No official minimum listed |
| Smurfberry Factory | Smurfs Village | Family attraction and play area | No official minimum listed |
| Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs River Expedition | Park facility | Water ride | Check the official listing |
Other Things to Do at Motiongate Dubai Besides Rides
Motiongate Dubai is more than just rides.
There are also shows, character experiences, play areas, and shopping throughout the five zones of the park.
Shows and entertainment:
Hollywood Theatre in Studio Central has live shows, and Smurfs Village has a theatre-style show in its family package.
Character experiences:
Visitors have the opportunity to meet characters from the highlighted film series at regular times throughout the park; specific times will be available on the official showtimes page.
Interactive attractions:
Play areas like Camp Viking and Smurfberry Factory give kids an opportunity to explore without any restrictions on height for each element.
Shopping:
There are roughly 15 stores throughout the zones, most of them themed to the surrounding movie franchise.
Themed environments:
Every zone is completely based on its film theme, ranging from the New York streetscape of Studio Central to the indoor DreamWorks lands; walking around the park is part of the experience.
Motiongate Dubai Tickets and Prices
The price for MOTIONGATE Dubai tickets varies according to the type of ticket, ranging from AED 295 up to AED 795, for either single-day or yearly passes.
This is the official ‘starting from’ price for a one-day gate when purchased online at dubaiparksandresorts. com; this price may be raised by the gate and can be reduced by the resort by running seasonal promotions (such as a two-park or family offer) which last for a limited period. Annual pass prices are not based on dynamic pricing
| Ticket Type | Current Price | What It Includes | Best For |
| One-Day Ticket | From AED 295 | All day, all rides, all shows, and studio zones on the date of visit | Single park in one day for first time visitors |
| Annual Silver Pass | AED 495 | MOTIONGATE only, 365 days access (blackout days apply), 10% F&B and retail discount | If you are a Dubai resident and want to make a few trips a year |
| Gold Annual Pass | AED 595 | 365 days of access, no blackout days, free popcorn for 6 visits, 15% off f&b/retail. | Frequent visitors with no need for blackout flexibility |
| Platinum Annual Pass | AED 795 | 365-day access, free meals, free Q-Fast (skip-the-line), 20% off F&B/retail, 30% off extra admission tickets | Theme park lovers and regulars |
| Seasonal Two-Park Deal | From AED 295 | Same-day access to MOTIONGATE and 1 other Dubai Parks & Resorts park | For visitors who want 2 parks in one day, when the promo is running |
What Is Included?
With a standard MOTIONGATE Dubai ticket, riders can enjoy unlimited access to all rides, roller coasters, and the included live shows at all the studio zones of the park, as well as free parking at Dubai Parks and Resorts, during their time at the park.
The standard MOTIONGATE Dubai ticket does not include food and drink, souvenirs/merchandise, in-park photography, or optional items such as Q-Fast skip-the-line admission, lockers, and private tours, which may be available at a higher annual pass level.
What are the opening hours of Motiongate Dubai?
While Motiongate Dubai is open throughout the year, the opening and closing dates for each day may vary according to the season, weekdays versus weekends, and special events.
The official website provides the most current park hours for each date, and this is the best place to check the information before you go.
In addition, some attractions within the park may not be open the entire time that the park is open.
There are some rides and shows that have operating windows, particularly shows with a limited number of performances per day, and short-term maintenance that affects rides.
Check the official showtimes page or in-park app on the day of your visit for the best picture.
Motiongate Dubai Map and Park Guide
The park map officially describes all five zones and where each ride, restaurant, shop, and guest facility, like restrooms and first aid points, is located.
If you are planning your trip to the different zones of the park, you will find this map helpful for finding places to eat and indoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
The map is also helpful within the park for finding guest relations, lockers, and accessibility services.
Motiongate Dubai Ride Restrictions and Height Requirements
Many rides at Motiongate Dubai have a height restriction, and the limit differs from attraction to attraction.
The minimum heights vary from one attraction to another in the park, from as low as 80 cm to 150 cm, based on the official filter.
You can use the height restriction filter on the official attraction page to help you plan a visit with different-age and height children in your family.
- Before kids line up for a ride, parents should check the length of each ride and verify that it is suitable for their children’s height.
- If necessary, please bring proof of height, as some rides measure guests at the entrance.
- If a child is not tall enough for an attraction, ask park staff for single-rider options or for return times.
- Also, each ride’s official page includes cautions, such as prohibitions for pregnant guests or specific medical conditions.
Is Motiongate Dubai for Adults?
Yes. Although Motiongate Dubai is marketed as a family theme park, it is primarily geared towards teenagers and adults.
The Columbia Pictures/Lionsgate sections in particular feature more intense coasters and 4D rides for older visitors, including the spinning Now You See Me: High Roller and the flying John Wick-themed coaster.
There are no special rides exclusively for youngsters at the park, so adults can enjoy the park just for the rides, shows, and dining without having to prioritise the rides that children love.
Couples and groups of friends who are avid fans of the movie series often visit them.
| Visitor type | Suitable zones and experiences |
|---|---|
| Young children (with height restrictions in mind) | Smurfs Village, DreamWorks kiddie rides, play areas such as Camp Viking |
| Families with mixed ages | A combination of all five zones, alternating gentle and moderate rides |
| Teenagers and adults seeking thrills | Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate coasters and 4D experiences |
| Film and animation fans | DreamWorks Animation zone and Studio Central behind-the-scenes areas |
| Visitors avoiding the heat | Fully indoor DreamWorks Animation zone and indoor shows |
How many hours do you need at Motiongate Dubai?
On average, people spend a whole day visiting Motiongate Dubai for the first time.
Most people take 6 to 8 hours to visit a large portion of the park with 5 zones, 27 rides and attractions, shows, and food.
If you’re planning to visit both parks on the same day, such as Legoland Dubai next door, which offers a multi-park pass, use your time wisely and prioritize the rides or zones you want to see first.
What is the best time to visit Motiongate Dubai?
Best time of day
For popular rides that are generally busier and busier throughout the afternoon, it’s usually best to arrive near opening time to avoid the crowd.
There may also be quieter hours in the late afternoon and evening if the heat from the day has subsided for outdoor rides.
Weather considerations
The summer season in Dubai is extremely hot.
A lot of what Motiongate has to offer is indoors, particularly in the DreamWorks Animation section, so even during the hot summer months, people can have a full day, with some of the attractions taking place indoors and the rest outdoors when cooler.
Weekday versus weekend crowds
Weekends and UAE public holidays are busier than weekdays.
Visiting on a weekday is often a better choice when it comes to the time of the queue, because there may be less traffic.
Is Motiongate Dubai indoors or outdoors?
Comfort levels are managed throughout the day with a balance of indoor areas such as DreamWorks Animation, Station Central, and the shows in the studios, and outdoor areas such as Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate, especially during warmer weather.
What should I wear to Motiongate Dubai?
- Closed shoes that are comfortable to walk in, as you’ll be on your feet for much of the day.
- Lightweight and breathable fabrics appropriate for Dubai’s climate.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for outdoor areas.
- Carry an empty water bottle (where allowed) or have a water supply to purchase within the park.
- A light jacket or layer for the indoor/air-conditioned areas, where it can be cold after outdoor heat.
- A power bank for your phone, as you might need to use it throughout the day for tickets, or the park map, or photos.
- To provide valid identification, particularly if collecting tickets or verifying a child’s age for admission.
Where to Eat at Motiongate Dubai?
There are several themed restaurants and cafés throughout the areas of Motiongate, Dubai, as well as food kiosks.
There is a wide choice of Italian, Arabic, Chinese, and American-style casual dining for a variety of tastes and food preferences.
As the park is massive, it is worthwhile to take at least one proper meal break during your day, rather than trying to fit everything into one.
You can also avoid the busiest restaurant queues by eating earlier or later than the peak lunchtime period.
Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to Motiongate Dubai
- To save time and guarantee your entry date, buy your tickets online as soon as possible.
- If the park has an official app, download it to check wait times for rides, showtimes, and dining locations in real time
- Check the official website the night before or morning of your visit for the current opening hours and any ride closures.
- Start your day on the most popular thrill rides.
- Indoor zones/shows to escape the midday heat.
- If you are travelling with children of varying heights, check the ride restrictions ahead of time so you can plan out who can go on what.
- Have your ticket (printed or on your device) and any add-ons ready to scan at the gate
- If you plan to visit more than one park in a single day, it is best to plan your route between them, as Dubai Parks and Resorts is quite spread out.
Final Verdict
Motiongate Dubai is made up of five different areas based on movies, and there is a real mix of thrill coasters, family rides, indoor 4D experiences, and shows.
It’s a fantastic choice for families of all ages, as it has soft and more challenging rides for the younger set and bigger rides for the older set, but it also has plenty of coasters and 4D to keep the teens and adults entertained all day long.
If you’re not prioritizing sightseeing in Dubai or have very little time, you might want to take a look at other attractions instead of Motiongate.
It’s a worthy addition to any trip to Dubai for those who love films, families, and thrill rides. As always, check tickets, hours, and any closures on the official website before heading out.
