Riverpark plans revealed
Plans for the new Riverpark development that will connect three Dubai theme parks have been revealed.
The project is being undertaken by Dubai Parks & Resorts, a Meraas Holding company, which believes it will help the emirate achieve its goal of doubling tourist numbers between 2012 and 2020.
Riverpark is to contain restaurants, casual dining venues, entertainment offerings and retail stores, all built around a 1 km canal.
The canal will serve to connect three theme parks that are due to be developed - Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, and Legoland Dubai.
Bollywood Parks Dubai is to be the first theme park devoted to the Indian film industry, while Legoland Dubai will be the first time this hugely popular children's attraction has come to the Middle East. Motiongate Dubai will celebrate Hollywood and the US film industry.
Visitors will have the option of moving around Riverpark via water taxis, while the 120,000 sqm site is also set to feature garden terraces and a family-themed hotel. The first stage of development is forecast to be completed in 2016.
Raed Al Nuaimi, chief executive of Dubai Parks & Resorts, said: 'With Dubai looking to double visitor numbers by the year 2020, we believe the innovative retail, entertainment, food and beverage options … will give tourists several compelling reasons to visit the mega destination.'
'The precinct is sure to find resonance with visitors keen to sit back and unwind after an eventful day at the theme parks or to simply enjoy a fun evening with family and friends,' he added.
Riverpark is just one of the many projects getting underway to ensure Dubai meets the target of doubling annual tourist numbers from ten million in 2012 to 20 million in 2020.
The World Expo 2020 will undoubtedly attract millions of people to the emirate, while projects such as Riverpark will further enhance its reputation as an ideal holiday destination.
Tourist visits from the UK alone have undergone double-digit growth recently, with the number of people heading to the emirate from Britain increasing 27 per cent in August.