Riverland, Dubai

Riverland Dubai offers a brilliant mix of fun, food and music, one of the country's unmissable attractions. The area has often been dismissed as a mere gateway to the Dubai Resorts and Parks that follow it; however, it is much more than that. Growing around a man-made river that flows through it, Riverland Dubai is a cultural salad bowl, allowing one to experience the world's four corners from one place.

The theme park is divided into four major zones, each reflecting a specific culture: the Peninsula is typically British, featuring 19th-century buildings and bridges; the India Gate reflects the colourful Bombay life; the Boardwalk takes one back to America of the 1950’s1950s while the French Village reflects the archetypal French life during the medieval eras. Spread across an impressive area of over 230,000 square feet, these four zones are interconnected with pedestrian bridges and roads, allowing one to easily hop from one area to the other.

There is much to see and do in Riverland Dubai. It is, for starters, home to an amazing range of theme parks, including Legoland Dubai, Bollywood Park and Motiongate, which is also the largest theme park in all of UAE. The amazing range of attractions at the park caters to visitors across all age groups, making the destination a perfect one for the whole family. The many restaurants around Riverland promise a gastronomic adventure to all, dishing out traditional global delights from around the world.

The theme park also serves as a great shopping destination. The Outlet Village is an absolute delight for those looking for high-end branded outlets, one can find several smaller stores scattered around Riverland as well. In addition to all of it, Riverland Dubai hosts several performances and festivals around its plaza throughout the year, which can be extremely fun to witness.

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• The Riverland Dubai is a cluster of themed village-parks, joined together by the eponymous river that flows through it.
• The Park is entirely free of cost, although its attractions require an added fee.
• Riverland Dubai is separated into four main cultural zones- the Peninsula, the India Gate, the French Village and the Boardwalk- with each zone reflecting the history and culture of the place it portrays .
• A host of eclectic diners and fast-food chains can be found scattered around Riverland.
• The area is home to several fantastic theme parks as well, such as Bollywood, Legoland and Motiongate Dubai.
• Several live concerts, parades and performances are held around the park throughout the year, making it a great place to explore global culture.
• Additionally, Riverland is home to several retail outlets and stores as well, offering a shopping experience that ranges from high end retail to thrift hopping.

To reach the Riverland Dubai, you will have to take the red metro line from Downtown Dubai. This one is the most feasible mode of transportation available in Dubai and will take around 90 minutes to cover the journey between both the places.

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The best time when you can plan on visiting the Riverland Dubai is during the early morning hours, as soon as it opens. The window of 10:00 AM to 12 noon and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM is the best time, when there is no crowd and traversing to famous landmarks is just a little hassle.

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Here is the list of best places to eat at Riverland:

1. TGI Fridays: A popular chain bistro, TGI Fridays boasts of a comprehensive American menu. The fares here include elaborately crafted American snacks, served with a host of creative drinks and genuine personal service.

TGI Fridays brings with it an air of celebration, promising to make one feel as if ‘It’s Always Friday!” The portions here are quite immense as well, promising to leave one satisfied after a heft meal.

Location: Beside Bollywood Park, India Gate, Riverland Dubai

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2. The Coffee Club: Nestled within the Boardwalk zone, The Coffee Club promises to be ‘more than just coffee.’ First started in 1989 in Brisbane, the Coffee Club later spread its wings to Dubai.

Apart from its variations on the favorite drink, the Coffee Club offers a deliciously prepared food menu as well. The cafe also has a specialty ‘plant-based menu’, which features vegetarian delights made out of entire plants.

Location: Dubai Parks & Resorts In front of MotionGate, Riverland - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

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3. Dine-in French Bakery: Putting a modern twist on the traditional French dine-in bakery, this little cafe in the French Village is a must visit for those looking to explore the culinary culture of the country. Led by the internationally renowned Chef Pascal Tapper, the bakery offers a host of traditional breads, Viennoiserie, along with a variety of hot and cold dishes. 

Location: The French Village, Riverland Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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4. Italian food artists: A popular evening hideout by the Peninsula, Italian food artists offer a host of curated Italian delights. Made with love by an Italian chef recently graduated from his grandmother’s kitchen, the menu here features a range of traditionally crafted oven-fired pizzas and pastas.

Only the best natural ingredients go into the making of the food here, promising fresh and wholesome delights. Italian food artists remain open till 12 in the morning each day, making it a popular location for midnight snacks. 

Location: The Peninsula, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Riverland Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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5. Al Mashowa: Located on the cobbled streets of India Gate is Al Mashowa, an Emirati seafood restaurant. Operating during the latter half of the day, the restaurant offers traditional delights passed down through generations. All items here are made from locally sourced ingredients, thus lending it a unique taste and texture.

The interiors at the restaurant pays homage to a history of Dubai’s pearl rearing industry, with pictures detailing the country’s history and the benches shaped like traditional kayaks. One can choose to dine inside, although outdoor dining by the river is also an option here.

Location: India Gate, Riverland, Dubai Park & Resorts, Jebel Ali Village, Dubai

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Tips for Visiting Riverland

-Make sure you stay back for a concert or performance at the Peninsula when in Riverland 

-There are occasional spas hidden around the corners across Riverland, where one can easily hop in for a relaxing massage

-Parking at the Riverland is free of cost after 06.30PM every day

-Those with small children could avail the stroller facilities offered by the park

-For the best experience, try purchasing a 7-day pass to Riverland

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