The United Arab Emirates (UAE) takes the saying “new year, new you” literally, with a number of new and exciting sights and attractions being constructed and opened year-after-year.
If you are looking for exciting sights and attractions to add to your itinerary when visiting the UAE, we take a look at three projects that have recently opened this year, and a few of those who have still make their grand entrance before 2017:
LEGOLAND® Dubai, Dubai
LEGOLAND® Dubai is just one of the theme parks that will make up the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, which is set to be a Disneyland sized feat that will house numerous theme parks and accommodation options.
Opening in October 2016, LEGOLAND® Dubai will be accompanied by LEGOLAND® Water Park, and are the ideal places for families with children aged 2 to 12 to visit for a fun day out.
Both of the parks offer visitors hands-on activities, interactive rides, water slides, models, and building experiences through six themed lands: FACTORY, LEGO® CITY, KINGDOMS, IMAGINATION, ADVENTURE, and MINILAND. LEGOLAND® Dubai will consist of over 40 LEGO® themed rides that will be found both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that visitor can attend the park all year around.
If you want to save some money an enjoy LEGOLAND® whenever you want, there is an opportunity to purchase a LEGOLAND annual pass.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Located in Abu Dhabi, the Louvre on Saddiyat Island will open in the near future with the intention of providing a space that will encourage discovery, exchange and education, as well as play an important social role in the UAE.
Once open, the impressive museum will present an array of impressive archaeology, fine arts and decorative arts objects from a number of regions and periods (some of which will include contemporary art and the narrative of art history).
The Louvre’s structure itself consists of a large white dome, and was designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Jean Nouvel, and will be an impressive sight in its own right.
Al Noor Island, Sharjah
Al Noor Island will interest those who have a passion and love for nature, art and culture, as this delightful spot will take you on a journey you will never forget.
Take a leisurely walk through the Butterfly House (the most visible structure on the Island) and learn about the 500 species that have been transported from several parts of the world. The Butterfly House is temperate controlled for its inhabitants, and offers a visual splendour of colour and beauty, showcasing Mother Nature’s impressive work.
Next, guests can visit the Literature Pavilion where a number of traditional ornaments are displayed on the walls accompanied by verses of poetry in projected form. There are comfortable seating areas where visitors can indulge in the literature while surrounded by the comforts of nature background music, and a tranquil water fountain.
Lastly, there are ample opportunities to admire the Noor Island’s large number of sculptures that can be found spread out across the island. Visitors can expect to see everything from modern art pieces to art installations and three dimensional organic benches.
Dubai Safari Park, Dubai
Replacing the current zoo in Dubai, Dubai Safari Park will be located across from the well-known shopping mecca Dragon Mart.
Dubai Safari Park will be home to over one thousand animals, some of which will be the original animals from Dubai’s previous zoo, and will provide visitors an interactive experience that will include riding in a 4×4 jeep.
The park will include a Safari village, Arabian village, Asian village, and an African village, each showcasing a number of animals from the different locations. Additionally, the park will be home to a butterfly park, botanical garden, an education centre, and a vet.
These are just four of UAE’s new and upcoming attractions, with many more to come! Each transforming the UAE into an attractive tourist destination that draws travellers from across the globe.