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IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park, featuring popular Marvel and Cartoon Network-branded rides, has opened its doors to the public in Dubai.

The first visitors at the 140,000 metre² attraction reflected the diverse crowds that visit and live in Dubai, home to the world's tallest skyscraper, the Middle East's largest mall and a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree that is dotted with luxury hotels.

The new attraction is one of two major theme parks opening this year in Dubai, part of an effort to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2020, when the Emirate is to host the World Expo.

Costing US$1 billion, IMG Worlds of Adventure offers 22 rides and attractions including the ‘velociraptor’ rollercoaster, which loops into the outdoors; the Predator rollercoaster, with its sharp, vertical drop and a Spiderman themed ride that propels guests riders through a New York City skyline, soaring much like the fictional superhero would as he fights to save the city from the sinister Doctor Octopus.

Aiming to attract up to 30,000 visitors on peak days, the attraction offers visitors 25 retail outlets and 28 food and beverage outlets that are expected to contribute to nearly a quarter of the park's overall revenue

In October, the US$2.8 billion the Dubai Parks and Resorts attraction will open featuring a Six Flags theme park, a Legoland waterpark, Bollywood-themed rides and shows, and a Motiongate movie-themed park with a Smurfs village.

Images: The exterior of IMG Worlds of Adventure (top), the ‘velociraptor’ rollercoaster (middle) and the park's carousel (below).

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