Daredevil Day at Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts, a collection of theme parks in Dubai, is an ideal family outing destination, with thrills and fun for all. But some of the rides are strictly for the daredevils

- Varsha Singh

As the taxi sped down the Sheikh Zayed Road towards its destination, my excitement was building up, with every kilometre that we put between ourselves and my hotel at Downtown Dubai. I kept looking out of the windows on either side, not knowing where or when it would emerge and on which side of the road.

About 50 km and 30 minutes later, I finally saw it. First on my left and then as we approached closer, on my right. Barely had the taxi come to a halt, that I rapidly paid and ran out. But the sight that greeted me left me bewildered. I had reached Dubai Parks and Resorts, a gigantesque collection of five theme parks, that has emerged as one of the favourite getaways for families, both residents and tourists.

With five massive parks staring at me, I began to look where my entrance ticket was waiting for me. And I slowed down only when I located the VIP Welcome Centre where my entrance ticket had been kept, as promised.

Now, to get to the beginning. I was in Dubai where I had been invited to attend the Arabian Travel Market and I had a day free before the show got under way. I decided to skip my favourite pastime, shopping, and look for excitement of the other kind, especially as I had received an invitation to visit the theme park operator that is billed to be the largest in the region.

With options like Motiongate Dubai, Legoland and Legoland Waterpark, one is spoilt for choice here. So I asked for the one which had the highest adrenaline-pumping experiences and immediately jumped at it when I was pointed towards Motiongate.