When it comes to theme park destinations, Dubai stands tall, offering a diverse array of experiences that cater to all ages and preferences.
IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai are two prominent contenders vying for your attention.
Both parks promise a day filled with thrills, entertainment, and unforgettable memories – but which theme park is better?
This comprehensive guide will compare IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai across various aspects, providing a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision for your Dubai theme park escapade.
A quick overview
Category | IMG Worlds of Adventure | Motiongate Dubai |
Location | Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai. Get Direction. | Dubai Parks and Resorts, Jebel Ali. Get Direction. |
Proximity to City | Closer to central Dubai | 40 minutes from city center |
Size | 1.5 million square feet (fully indoor) | 2 million square feet (indoor and outdoor) |
Themes | Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley (Dinosaurs), IMG Boulevard | DreamWorks, Columbia Pictures, Lionsgate, Smurfs Village |
Best for | Marvel fans, dinosaur enthusiasts, families with kids | Movie lovers, families with diverse interests |
Unique Attractions | Haunted Hotel, Velociraptor Coaster, Iron Man Experience | Hunger Games: Capitol Bullet Train, Madagascar Mad Pursuit, Zombieland Blast Off |
Indoor/Outdoor | Fully indoor, climate-controlled | Combination of indoor (DreamWorks) and outdoor attractions |
Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly, stroller rentals are available | Wheelchair-friendly shuttle services from the city center |
Best Time to Visit | Year-round (fully indoor) | Cooler months (November to March) for outdoor attractions |
Ticket Prices | AED 365 per person | AED 295 per person |
Tickets | Buy ticket | Buy ticket |
Theme and zones: Stepping into different worlds

The first step in choosing between IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai is understanding their thematic approaches.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure: This park celebrates popular culture, dividing its vast indoor space into four distinct zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, and IMG Boulevard. Each zone caters to specific interests, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in their favorite fictional universes.
- Motiongate Dubai: As the name suggests, Motiongate is a tribute to the magic of cinema, specifically Hollywood blockbusters. Its five themed zones – Lionsgate, Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks, Smurfs Village, and Studio Central – bring to life iconic films and characters, offering a more focused cinematic experience.
Which park is right for you?
- Fans of superheroes and cartoons: IMG Worlds of Adventure will be a haven for those who adore the Marvel and Cartoon Network universes.
- Movie buffs seeking a Hollywood experience: Motiongate Dubai offers a direct connection to the world of blockbuster films, particularly those from the featured studios.
Rides and attractions: Thrill levels and family fun

Both IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai offer a diverse range of rides and attractions, catering to different age groups and thrill tolerances.
Thrill rides
IMG Worlds of Adventure: This park is known for its high-intensity rollercoasters, such as the Velociraptor in the Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure zone. This ride blasts through the park at 100 km/hr, even venturing briefly outdoors for an added thrill. Other heart-pumping options include Thor Thunder Spin, Spider-Man Doc Ock’s Revenge, and the Haunted Hotel, designed for those seeking a good scare. Explore more rides.
Motiongate Dubai: While Motiongate also features thrilling rides, the overall intensity is lower than IMG Worlds of Adventure. The Capitol Bullet Train, inspired by The Hunger Games, offers two inversions and a zero-gravity roll. Other adrenaline-pumping options include The Green Hornet: High-Speed Chase and Madagascar Mad Pursuit.
Family-friendly rides
IMG Worlds of Adventure: While known for its intense thrills, IMG Worlds of Adventure doesn’t neglect its younger audience. The Cartoon Network zone offers family-friendly rides like Ben 10 5D Hero Time and The Amazing Ride of Gumball. Additionally, the IMG Kids Zone provides interactive play areas and sensory experiences specifically designed for toddlers and young children.
Motiongate Dubai: Motiongate excels in family-friendly attractions, with rides and experiences suitable for all ages. Hotel Transylvania, Dragon Gliders, and Shrek’s swamp Celebration are excellent choices for families looking for a fun and engaging experience without extreme thrills. The Smurfs Village zone is particularly charming for younger children, with colorful rides like the Smurfs Village Express.
Which park is right for you?
- Adrenaline junkies seeking extreme thrills: IMG Worlds of Adventure’s intense rollercoasters and immersive haunted experiences will likely satisfy your need for speed and fear.
- Families with young children: Motiongate Dubai offers a wider selection of gentler rides and interactive attractions that cater to a younger audience.
Shows and entertainment: Beyond the rides
Both parks go beyond rides to offer engaging shows and entertainment that add to the overall experience.
IMG Worlds of Adventure: While focused primarily on rides, IMG Worlds of Adventure offers entertaining shows featuring beloved characters like the Powerpuff Girls. The park’s website provides a schedule of live performances, ensuring you don’t miss out on the action.
Motiongate Dubai: Motiongate places a greater emphasis on live entertainment, with various stage shows and performances throughout the day. These shows feature elaborate sets, talented performers, and beloved characters, adding a layer of theatrical immersion to the park experience.
Which park is right for you?
- Those who prefer non-stop rides: IMG Worlds of Adventure might be a better choice if you prioritize ride time over stage shows.
- Those seeking a mix of rides and entertainment: Motiongate Dubai offers a balanced experience with a strong emphasis on live performances.
Practical considerations: Planning your visit

Location and accessibility
IMG Worlds of Adventure: Situated on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, IMG Worlds of Adventure is easily accessible by car and taxi. While not directly connected by metro, the nearest station is the Mall of the Emirates, where you can take a short taxi ride.
Motiongate Dubai: Located within Dubai Parks and Resorts, Motiongate Dubai benefits from excellent connectivity. It’s easily accessible by car, taxi, and public transportation, with direct bus routes and a nearby metro station.
Timings
IMG Worlds of Adventure: This fully indoor theme park is open 365 days a year, operating from 12 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and 12 pm to 11 pm on weekends.
Motiongate Dubai: The park welcomes its guests from 11 am to 8 pm from Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, it extends its hours, operating from 11 am to 9 pm.
Tickets
IMG Worlds of Adventure: General admission tickets for IMG Worlds of Adventure usually cost around AED 365 per person. The park also offers annual passes, which provide unlimited access for a year, along with discounts on dining and merchandise.
More details about IMG Worlds of Adventure tickets.
Motiongate Dubai: Motiongate Dubai provides various ticket options, including si ngle-day tickets, multi-park passes, and annual passes. Prices start from AED 295 and may vary based on the ticket type and age group.
Conclusion: Choosing your adventure
Ultimately, the choice between IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai depends on your preferences and priorities. IMG Worlds of Adventure offers a thrilling and immersive experience focusing on superhero and cartoon franchises. At the same time, Motiongate Dubai provides a cinematic adventure with a wider range of family-friendly attractions and live entertainment.
Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Your preferred themes and franchises: Which park aligns best with your interests?
- Your desired thrill level: Do you prefer high-intensity rollercoasters or gentler family rides?
- Your budget and time constraints: Which park fits your budget and schedule?
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the park that promises the most magical and unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Both IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai offer a taste of Dubai’s world-class entertainment and ensure a day filled with laughter, excitement, and cherished memories.