Excitement is ramping up for the opening of Dubai Parks and Resorts in October. I caught up with Julien Munoz, vice-president of sales, when he was in London two weeks ago for meetings with potential trade partners. “Across the board, wholesalers have been really positive about what Dubai Parks and Resorts will bring to the market,” he said. “Dubai is always reinventing itself, and this brings a new dimension for families. It will allow trade partners to tap into their family databases and add extra nights on to their stay.”

He estimates there are currently 41 contractors employing 15,000 people to work on the project, which sits on a 25 million square-foot plot of land. The location is virtually equidistant from Dubai (39 miles) and Abu Dhabi (42 miles) international airports, stretching along Sheikh Zayed Road. 

The entertainment proposition, comprising more than 100 shows and  attractions, is split across motiongate Dubai – themed on Hollywood films; Bollywood Parks Dubai (inset); Legoland Dubai; Legoland Water Park; Riverland Dubai (main picture), a dining and shopping destination; and the first hotel is the 503-room Lapita Hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. 

“We have every reason to feel confident about timelines,” Munoz said. “100% of the design has been finalised; 89% of the ride system is in place; 88% of the facilities have been delivered; and 70% of the overall infrastructure.”

There will be a soft opening phase, he said, and everything is on track to “welcome the big crowds in October”.

Munoz intends to release pricing at Arabian Travel Market, which takes place in Dubai (April 25-28). “The headline price is about £55 for Bollywood, £57 for Legoland and £63 for motiongate. These are still a work in progress but that’s pretty close to reality. We’re working on packaging and multi-park options and we want to reach easy-to-understand solutions,” he said.

It is expected that the parks could attract visitors for as long as four days, he said: “The quality of the offer and the depth of product will make it a really cool place to be for three to four days, [but] consumers will need to be educated on how rich the proposal is, so we expect two-day visits at the start, which will gradually evolve into longer stays.” 

He said the trade was integral to the park’s success: “Dubai is hot and Dubai Parks and Resorts will be a must-see. Whether it’s roadshows or fam trips, you will hear about us, so stay tuned, we’re coming your way,” he said.