The World’s Biggest Indoor Theme Park Just Opened in Dubai

Sept. 08, 2016

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3 min read

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You don’t have to have ever traveled to Dubai to know that subtlety is not one of the United Arab Emirates city’s strong suits. Like Las Vegas on steroids, Dubai is already home to a list of “world’s biggest” things, including the biggest mall (The Dubai Mall) and the world's tallest skyscraper (the Burj Khalifa, although an even taller building is currently in the works). Last week, the city notched another record-breaking venue when the doors to IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park, opened to the public.

Carousels may not have existed during prehistoric times, but just go with it. Image courtesy of IMG Worlds of Adventure.

Occupying 1.5 million square feet of real estate — the equivalent of about 28 football fields — IMG Worlds of Adventure (which, according to CNN, cost $1 billion and took three years to build) is home to dozens of rides, roller coasters, attractions, restaurants and retail outlets. Among its most unique offerings is Lost Valley, a dinosaur-themed series of attractions that takes visitors back to prehistoric times, plus separate Marvel- and Cartoon Network-branded “Adventure Zones,” where The Avengers take center stage with Hulk Epsilon Base 3D, Thor Thunder Spin and a restaurant courtesy of Tony “Iron Man” Stark.

Like Jurassic Park, minus the risk of death by dinosaur. Image courtesy of IMG Worlds of Adventure. — The Lost Valley is kind of like Jurassic Park, minus the risk of death by dinosaurs. Image courtesy of IMG Worlds of Adventure.

The Cartoon Network Adventure Zone features The Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time and other live shows. In addition to being home to The Haunted Hotel, the IMG Boulevard Adventure Zone is where you’ll find the bulk of the facility’s restaurants and shopping facilities (note: candy is a major theme here). Let the games begin!