Six of the best

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Theme parks in the Middle East

With gravity-defying roller coasters and gigantic wave pools, the Middle East has plenty to offer when it comes to exciting and imaginative theme parks. Here are six to consider

Motiongate, Dubai

Hollywood’s DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate combine to create Motiongate, Dubai’s premier motion-picture theme park. Familyfavourite films and television shows like Shrek, Ghostbusters, Madagascar, The Hunger Games and Kung Fu Panda make an appearance in the form of thrilling roller coasters and interactive attractions. dubaiparksandresorts.com/motiongate

Quest, Qatar

Launched this year, Quest brings the theme park concept indoors. Based in the Doha Oasis complex, it features everything from rides to VR and simulation experiences. Its record breaking EpiQ Coaster and Magma Blast are the tallest indoor roller coaster and indoor drop tower ride, respectively. There’s also Wings of Destiny, a 3D flying theatre attraction and a 3D motion simulator called Legend of the Golden Oryx. Dohaquest.com.

Six Flags Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia

Set to open in 2023, this chapter of U.S. institution Six Flags deserves a special mention as the Kingdom’s first ever theme park. Stretched over a huge 79 acres, the park will feature 28 rides and attractions and six themed lands. It will boast recordbreaking rides such as Falcon’s Flight, a gravity-defying coaster, which will be the longest, tallest and fastest in the world once it opens. qiddiya.com

Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi

Voted the world’s leading waterpark, Yas Waterworld’s record-breaking slides and gigantic wave pool are guaranteed to provide an adrenaline rush. Take a ride on the region’s longest suspended rollercoaster, dodge the water cannons on the Bandit Bomber, or brave Dawwama, the largest and longest sixperson tornado water coaster. Yaswaterworld.com

Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

Car enthusiasts will be bowled over by Ferrari World, where they can get behind the wheel of one of these iconic sports cars and take it for a spin. Or walk the iconic red roof of the building, with a zip-line experience to finish. Of course, the theme park also has plenty of rides to get your heart racing. Try out the highest loop ride, Flying Aces, or take a zero gravity fall on Turbo Track. ferrariworldabudhabi.com.

LEGOLAND, Dubai

Comprising a separate waterpark and theme park, LEGOLAND® is ideal for young travellers aged two and up. Aimed at young families, The LEGOLAND® Waterpark has 20 waterslides and attractions from a lazy river to the Joker Soaker. Highlights of the LEGOLAND® Theme Park include LEGO City, where children can gain their ‘driver’s license’ and Kingdoms, a medieval land with a Dragon coaster. legoland.com/dubai

One Island. Many Journeys.