Riverland food and entertainment venue set to wow Dubai with its replica villages

Set across four themed areas, guests can experience Medieval France, a set of cobbled walkways to replicate France of the 1600s, in the French Village; 1950s America in the Boardwalk; 1930s India at India Gate and turn-of-the-century France at The Peninsula.

One of the themed sections at Riverland Dubai theme park, Satish Kumar / The National

DUBAI // Not only will it be the gateway to three of Dubai’s newest parks, which will all be open by December, but Riverland will be one of the emirate’s newest dining and entertainment destinations when it opens next week.

Set in the heart of Legoland, Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood theme park, the food and entertainment centre is hoped to draw both residents and tourists alike.

Riverland will be host to 40 food and beverage outlets, live entertainment and music.

Set across four themed areas, guests can experience Medieval France in the French Village with its cobbled walkways; 1950s America in the Boardwalk; 1930s India at India Gate; and turn-of-the-century France at The Peninsula.

Marcel Hendriks, Riverland’s general manager, has been watching the project grow over the last three years, and he remembered the team of 20 breaking ground and placing a small red flag at the spot that would become the destination’s entrance.

“It’s been very fast-paced for a project of this size,” he said. “Over the last six months, all the roads around the parks have been opened. With the hoarding up between us and Sheikh Zayed Road, you couldn’t see what was happening and, once that came down, people realised things were going on back here.”

The attraction will be free of charge to enter, and Mr Hendriks said it will be for tourists and residents alike.

“We think people will come here even if they’re not going to the parks. There will be the restaurants, street entertainment, background music. It’s outdoors, so where would you rather go to - a mall or here - where the whole family can be outside?” he said.

A lot of work went into details, and the team behind the French village travelled to France to replicate imperfections in buildings, 300-year-old olive trees brought in for greenery. Neon lights are prohibited to ensure authenticity.

While Riverland and Legoland open on Monday, Bollywood will open on November 15 along with Lapita hotel and the Legoland water park and, soon after, Motiongate on December 16.

Vinit Shah, chief strategy and business development officer at DXB Entertainments PJSC, the owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts, said its appeal will go beyond tourism.

“We expect Riverland, with its unique setting and offering, to be a hub for residents and tourists alike,” he said.

“With Dubai Parks and Resorts’ strategic location on Sheikh Zayed Road opposite the Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai, the 30.6 million square feet destination is equidistant to Dubai and Abu Dhabi international airports.”