He Eventually Returns to his Family

In the next section, we’ll learn about several other extravagant Dubailand attractions. Aqua Dunya is based on the story of a young boy named Rakaan. Fascinated by the sea, Rakaan stows away in a tea schooner. Wanting to show them the world too, Rakaan constructs a huge ship — the Desert Pearl. His family and friends dig a canal from the desert oasis to the Persian Gulf and set sail. By the time the captain discovers him, the ship cannot return to port. The captain trains the boy as a sailor and Rakaan grows up traveling the globe and trading. He eventually returns to his family.

In total, the development will span an area twice the size of Disney World and boast 45 mega-projects, each capable of being a stand-alone destination in its own right but concentrated into one swath of desert. Because the complex combines classic theme park standards like rides and shows with living space, retail and even schools, developers expect Dubailand to take on a life of its own. After completion, Dubailand should continue to transform and expand. Dubai’s biggest dreamer, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, ruler since 2006, announced the Dubailand project on October 23, 2003. However, the project will not be complete until around 2020 — despite the city’s rapid pace of construction.

Remarkably, the Dubai Snowdome will be the emirate’s second indoor ski run. The Mall of the Emirate’s Ski Dubai already dazzles children who have never seen snow with slushy ice and oversize plush characters based on Islamic symbology. Guests wishing to soak up sun and cool off in the pool will be able to do so at Aqua Dunya, an enormous water park inspired by the tales of Rakaan and his ship, the Desert Pearl. Dubailand does not ignore its desert locale.

In Dubai, laser light shows flood souks and bazaars, tree-shaped islands materialize out of the gulf and people in full-length robes learn to ski. Developers are transforming 3 billion square feet of desert into Dubailand, a colossal complex of theme parks, malls and model cities. Dubai, a city of anomalies, wonders and themes — extravagant themes — is undergoing its greatest project yet. And while the saturated North American and European markets remain fairly stable, there is potential for enormous growth in other parts of the world. These are heady days for theme parks.