Motiongate Dubai: The Ultimate Hollywood-Themed Park in the Middle East
Motiongate Dubai is one of the most exciting theme parks in the UAE. Located inside Dubai Parks and Resorts, this park brings your favorite Hollywood movies to life with thrilling rides, fun shows, and interactive zones. Whether you’re a fan of DreamWorks, Columbia Pictures, or Lionsgate films, you’ll find characters and adventures from blockbuster movies waiting to greet you.
Families, couples, kids, and even teenagers will all find something fun and exciting to do here. It’s one of the most creative and entertaining parks in the region, combining cinema magic with high-quality rides and experiences.
Where Is Motiongate Dubai Located?
Motiongate is part of Dubai Parks and Resorts in Jebel Ali, about 30 minutes from Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah by car. The area is home to other parks like Legoland Dubai and Riverland, but Motiongate stands out because of its Hollywood connection.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali
- Travel Time from Downtown Dubai: Around 35-40 minutes by car
- Nearby Attractions: Legoland Dubai, Bollywood Parks, Riverland Dubai
What Makes Motiongate Dubai Special?
Motiongate is different from other parks because it’s inspired by real Hollywood movies and studios. You can walk into animated worlds, ride through action-packed scenes, and even take photos with famous characters. There are five different zones inside the park, each one based on a major movie studio.
Key Features:
- Over 25 rides and attractions
- Indoor and outdoor experiences
- Shows and character meet-and-greets
- Food courts with international cuisine
- Movie-themed shops and gift stores
Motiongate also has air-conditioned indoor zones which are perfect during hot weather. That makes it a great place to visit all year round.
Motiongate Dubai Zones and Themed Areas
Motiongate is divided into five main zones. Each one is filled with its own rides, shows, and attractions.
Columbia Pictures Zone
This area brings the action of Hollywood movies like Ghostbusters, Zombieland, Hotel Transylvania, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs to life.
Top Attractions:
- Hotel Transylvania Ride: A family-friendly dark ride through Dracula’s hotel
- Zombieland Blast-Off: A thrilling drop tower for brave teens and adults
- Ghostbusters Battle for New York: A laser tag ride where you fight ghosts
This zone has spooky fun, mild scares, and great visuals for all ages.
DreamWorks Zone
DreamWorks is one of the largest indoor areas in any theme park. It features four animated movie franchises: Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Top Attractions:
- Shrek’s Merry Fairy Tale Journey: A storytelling ride with moving dolls and fun music
- Dragon Gliders: A suspended roller coaster flying through the Viking world
- Kung Fu Panda Unstoppable Awesomeness: A 4D theater show with Po and his friends
This zone is fully air-conditioned, making it the perfect escape from the sun.
Lionsgate Zone
This area is based on action-packed movies like The Hunger Games and Now You See Me. It’s better for teens and adults who love speed, action, and movie thrills.
Top Attractions:
- Capitol Bullet Train: A high-speed roller coaster based on The Hunger Games
- Now You See Me: High Roller: A spinning coaster inspired by the magician film
- John Wick: Open Contract: A twist-and-turn thrill ride for fans of the action series
These rides are newer and built with cutting-edge technology.
Smurfs Village Zone
The Smurfs zone is bright, colorful, and full of charm. It’s designed mainly for younger children, but parents enjoy the calm and creativity too.
Top Attractions:
- Smurfs Studio Tour: A gentle train ride with fun scenes and Smurf characters
- Smurfberry Factory: A soft play area and fun climbing space
- Woodland Play Park: A shaded outdoor zone for free play
Perfect for toddlers, young kids, and anyone who loves the Smurfs!
Studio Central
This is the park’s main entry zone and resembles a real-life movie studio street from Hollywood. Here you’ll find:
- Classic cars
- Film-themed architecture
- Daily street performances
- Souvenir shops
It’s a great place for photos and getting into the movie magic mood.
Ticket Prices and Packages
Here’s a simple breakdown of ticket prices to help you plan your visit:
Motiongate Dubai Ticket Pricing
| Ticket Type | AED Price | USD Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day General Admission | AED 330 | $90 |
| Kids Below 3 Years | Free | Free |
| UAE Residents (Offers Vary) | AED 250 | $68 |
| Annual Pass (Unlimited) | AED 695 | $189 |
| VIP Experience Add-On | AED 750+ | $204+ |
Prices may vary during holidays and events. Discounts may apply for residents and online bookings.
Best Time to Visit Motiongate Dubai
While Motiongate is open year-round, the best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is pleasant.
Tips for a Great Visit:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy more rides
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
- Use shaded or indoor zones during peak sun hours
- Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes
For smooth entry, consider buying your tickets online and downloading a digital map of the park in advance.
What to Eat Inside Motiongate
Food is available across the park with themed restaurants and quick bites.
Popular Food Spots:
- Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop (Kung Fu Panda Zone): Chinese fast food
- Very Smurfy Café: Kid-friendly meals and sweets
- Slimer’s Diner (Columbia Zone): Classic burgers and fries
- Dragon Flame Grill: Grilled meats and Arabic dishes
There are also cafes, ice cream carts, and snack stands throughout the park. Prices are slightly higher than outside but portion sizes are decent.
Motiongate for Families with Children
Motiongate is one of the best theme parks in Dubai for families because it offers something for all age groups.
Why Families Love It:
- Shaded and indoor zones for toddlers
- Baby-changing and stroller rental stations
- Safe rides with clear height limits
- Character meet-and-greets throughout the day
- Interactive shows that don’t require long queues
Planning a family day? You can also combine this trip with Kids and Family VIP Services in Dubai for a smoother experience.
Rides for Teenagers and Adventure Lovers
While families with kids enjoy most of the park, Motiongate also has rides for thrill-seekers.
Must-Try for Teens:
- Capitol Bullet Train (High-speed coaster)
- Zombieland Blast-Off (Drop tower)
- John Wick: Open Contract (Wild twist coaster)
- Dragon Gliders (3D flying roller coaster)
Teenagers will enjoy these rides the most, along with VR games and skill arcades around the Lionsgate zone.
Useful Things to Know Before You Go
Planning ahead helps make your visit smooth and comfortable.
Helpful Tips:
- Parking is free, and valet options are available
- You can bring refillable water bottles
- Lockers are available at AED 45-75 per day
- Download the Motiongate app for showtimes and wait times
- Plan rest breaks in shaded areas or cafés
Before heading out, it’s wise to check Dubai laws and safety tips to avoid any trouble while visiting.
What to Wear and Bring to Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate is a mix of indoor and outdoor zones, so dressing smartly and packing a few helpful items can make your day much more comfortable.
What to Wear
- Light cotton or linen clothing (especially in summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- A hat and sunglasses for sunny hours
- A light jacket or hoodie if visiting during winter evenings
There’s no strict dress code, but modest clothing is recommended throughout Dubai.
What to Bring
- Small backpack or sling bag
- Water bottle (you can refill it inside)
- Sunscreen and face wipes
- Phone charger or power bank
- Wet wipes or tissues
- ID or digital booking confirmation
If you’re visiting with children, don’t forget to pack:
- Stroller for toddlers (rentals available)
- Extra clothes or swimsuits for splash zones
- Snacks for waiting periods between rides
Special Events and Seasonal Shows at Motiongate
Throughout the year, Motiongate hosts themed events that make your visit even more exciting. These events usually match school holidays or global festivals.
Popular Seasonal Highlights:
- Halloween Fright Nights (October): Haunted mazes, spooky décor, and night shows
- Festive Winter (December): Christmas lights, snow zones, and themed performances
- Summer Surprises (July-August): Indoor cooling zones, water activities, and character parades
- Eid and National Day Celebrations: Live shows, cultural performances, and extended hours
If you’re visiting during an event season, try to check the entertainment schedule in advance to catch shows or parades.
Photography and Social Media Spots
Motiongate is filled with Instagram-worthy backdrops and fun character photo opportunities. Whether you’re a travel vlogger or just want cute family pics, there are plenty of photo-perfect areas inside the park.
Best Photo Spots:
- Studio Central’s Hollywood Street: Retro cars, film cameras, and palm-lined streets
- Smurfs Village: Bright blue mushroom houses and life-size characters
- DreamWorks Entrance: Giant dragon sculptures and movie posters
- Capitol Zone (Lionsgate): Hunger Games symbols and sci-fi architecture
- Motiongate Sign at the Entrance: Perfect for that “We were here!” family snap
Character meet-and-greets also make for fun photos, especially for kids.
Combine Motiongate with Other Experiences
If you have more days in Dubai or want to explore other adventures nearby, consider these premium activities:
- Try a scenic helicopter tour over Dubai
- Enjoy desert glamping with luxury tents
- Add a splash day at theme water parks in Dubai
- For older teens, book a buggy adventure in the desert
Each adds a new layer of fun to your Dubai holiday.
How BestDubaiPlaces.com Helps You Plan a Perfect Theme Park Day
Visiting a park like Motiongate can be overwhelming without clear planning. BestDubaiPlaces.com helps simplify the experience:
- We list the top rides and zones based on your group type
- Real ticket prices and timing tips are shared in AED and USD
- Clear suggestions on what to wear, bring, and eat
- Add-on ideas like glamping, yacht charters, or water rides are linked naturally
Whether you’re planning a fun day for kids, teens, or adults, Motiongate can be matched with other premium Dubai activities.
👉 Contact Us for help booking theme park tickets, private transfers, or full-day plans.
FAQs About Motiongate Dubai
Is Motiongate good for young children?
Yes, Motiongate has many child-friendly rides, especially in the Smurfs and DreamWorks zones. There are also shaded play areas and baby care rooms.
Can I bring food or water inside?
Outside food is generally not allowed, but water bottles are accepted. There are refill stations and plenty of snack options inside.
Are all the rides suitable for everyone?
Each ride has height and safety restrictions. Some are for thrill-seekers, while others are perfect for kids and families.
What’s the dress code?
Dress comfortably and modestly. Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and hats are recommended for outdoor areas.
How long should I spend inside Motiongate?
A full day (6-8 hours) is perfect to explore all zones, enjoy shows, and have meals at a relaxed pace.
Is there anything for teens or adults?
Yes! Rides like the Hunger Games coaster, John Wick rollercoaster, and Zombieland Blast-Off are ideal for older kids and thrill-seekers.






