Riverland Dubai

Riverland™ Dubai is a themed, fun, dining and retail destination in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts which you can access without purchasing a ticket! Take a walk along the river on a journey through time, where four different zones give a fascinating glimpse into some of the greatest eras of our past. The French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Peninsula. These four vibrant districts make up the dining, retail and entertainment destination, making it a must do in Dubai. The wide range of offerings, coupled with the planned street theatre and entertainment, makes Riverland™ Dubai the perfect place for families and friends to come together, meet, relax and recharge.

Functioning as a central gateway within Dubai Parks and Resorts, Riverland offers dining, retail and entertainment for the entire family. To get to Dubai's theme parks, you have to pass through Riverland, which is free and open to the public. Not just connecting the three theme parks, the waterpark and hotel that make up Dubai Parks and Resorts, this precinct offers a range of dining and retail options.

Riverland Dubai is spread over four buzzing districts within Dubai Parks & Resorts, each with a different theme: India Gate, French Village, Boardwalk and The Peninsula. They are all connected by a 1km long river – hence the name of the destination. Entirely free for both parking and access, The Peninsula is the heart of Riverland and features a large outdoor venue that regularly hosts festivals and concerts. 

Take a seat at one of the casual, street food-inspired, eateries while musicians and acrobats liven up the zone. Boardwalk is a bustling, 1950s inspired area with entertainment for the entire family and classic American eateries, including Shake Shack.

Meanwhile, India Gate is a model of 1920s India. The fourth district is The French Village, offering the historic architecture of Europe in the late 1600s, street performances and quaint dining options. The wide range of places on offer makes Riverland an ideal place for families and friends to come together and experience a range of cultures.

Riverland is the only place associated with a theme park in Dubai that you can access for free, making it extremely popular with families and youngsters looking for pocket-friendly places to hang out in the city. Sometimes described as the gateway to Dubai Parks and Resorts, Riverland Dubai is a recreation of picturesque locations from different parts of the world, complete with cobbled streets, charming bistros and even a winding man-made river! Perfect for those living in Jebel Ali, this free Dubai attraction is the ideal weekend retreat for families.  

With a combination of over 50 restaurants, cafes and shops that span over the 1km long man made waterway, Riverland Dubai features four zones for fun, music, entertainment, food and celebrations. Check out our Riverland Dubai review for more information on what to do at this free attraction in Dubai.

Offering a brilliant mix of fun, food and music, Riverland Dubai is one of the unmissable attractions of the country. 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 four corners of the world 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 colorful Bombay life; Boardwalk takes one back to America of the 1950’s 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 cater 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 serves as a great shopping destination as well- while 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 a number of performances and festivals around it's plaza throughout the year, which can be extremely fun to witness.

FOUR ZONES IN RIVERLAND

The Peninsula

The Peninsula dates back to the architectural theme of the 19th century that features impressive bridges connected to the piazza. Surrounded by the river, there is a large outdoor venue in this zone where visitors can enjoy festivals and concerts. Alongside the river are licensed restaurants and bars such as ECCO Pizza and Pasta and The Irish Village. Walking along the bridge, looking at the beautiful development is one of the best things to do in Riverland Dubai. Not only will you enjoy the scenic beauty, you can also log in those steps and get your daily dose of exercise!

Views of the recreated factory buildings from the industrial revolution era will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The picturesque waterside dining outlets complement the experience. There is also a glass-enclosed kid’s room with toys and a play kitchen which makes The Peninsula a kid-friendly zone. 

Here are the popular restaurants in Riverland’s peninsula.

• ECCO Pizza and Pasta: It is famous for authentic Italian pasta cooked with natural ingredients and genuine recipes.

• The Irish Village: The second outlet of the famed Irish pub in Dubai, Irish Village is the only licensed restaurant in Riverland. 

• Big Chef’s Café & Brasserie: It is a casual dining spot with international cuisine and friendly staff.

India Gate

An ode to the colourful streets of Mumbai and other bustling districts in the sub-continent, India Gate in Riverland is where you often catch traditional Indian drummers beating their drums away to glory! If you are craving for a spicy curry and wondering where to eat in Dubai Riverland, India Gate is home to a mix of casual dining venues and quick eateries to tantalise your taste buds. Located close to the entrance gates for Bollywood Parks Dubai, this zone pays homage to the musical dramas that are typical of the Indian film industry. Apart from its royal Asian welcome with acrobats, musicians and artistic sculptures, India Gate has a variety of restaurants featuring Middle Eastern and Asian delicacies.

• Costa Coffee: An International handcrafted coffee house that also serves delicious salads, wraps, sandwiches and sweet treats.

• Al Mashowa: A traditional Emirati seafood restaurant with recipes that come from the past.

• Barbecue Delights: A casual dining restaurant that offers Pakistani, Afghani and North Indian cuisines.

• Bol Gappa: An Indian fusion restaurant that offers lip-smacking street food in a Bollywood-themed ambience.

• Haru Robatayaki: An authentic Japanese restaurant that specialises in the art of sushi, Teppanyaki, Robata and Sashimi.

• Wok Chi: A Chinese street food joint where you can customise your wok-tossed noodles.

• Shrimpy: A popular fast-food restaurant serving deep-fried golden shrimps cooked to perfection.

Boardwalk

Relive the nostalgic American era of the 1950s in the Boardwalk zone where you may encounter jugglers and street artists. The golden palm trees of California and glamorous neon signage will definitely bring back memories of early America. Located close to the entrance to the Hollywood-inspired Motiongate theme park, this American-inspired zone of Riverland is a favourite place for people with a sweet tooth as they can savour a variety of ice creams, giant marshmallows and other sweets from Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory.

The Boardwalk also features some delicious dining options. 

• TGI Fridays: World famous American food and beverage outlet to savour burgers and drinks in a lively ambience.

• The Coffee Club: An international coffee house where you can have a delicious brunch and a perfect blend of coffee.

• Super Chix: Looking for a traditional fast food joint? Here they serve super chicken, hand-cut fries and delicious frozen custards.

• Tortilla: America’s favourite snacks, tacos and burritos are served here with a range of fresh fillings and toppings.

• Ella’s Creamery: Inspired by America’s 1950s & 1960’s ice cream parlours, Ella’s Creamery will recreate your joyful childhood memories with frozen treats. Fans of Archie comics will get a distinct Pop Tates vibe from this charming creamery. 

• Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory: A perfect place to feast on chocolate treats, caramel apples, sundaes, coffee and lots and lots of candy!

• Galito’s: Offers the most delicious chicken from an African kitchen that is loved across the globe.

• Famous Dave’s: Barbecue lovers cannot resist the live-wood stoked BBQ with a custom blend of spices.

• 800 Degrees: Baked in an almond wood oven, 800 Degrees serves authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria cooked with ripest and freshest ingredients.

The French Village

If you want to experience the charm of Europe’s cobbled streets and lilting street music, The French Village is an ideal location to be at. There are meandering alleyways, towers and water wheels to transport you into a different world. The pebbled bridges and a replica of Medieval Dijon, the historical capital of Burgundy, are worth visiting. It is also a good shopping destination for souvenirs, gifts and other items. Another special feature to appeal to art enthusiasts is Gallery One for paintings and Wired Up for crafting your name into jewellery.

Take a look at some of the Riverland Dubai restaurants in this zone where you can refuel after a long walk.

• Pascal Tepper: A French bakery with oven-fresh bread and high quality of hot and cold treats.

• Giraffe: A perfect fast-food option with an array of dishes including steaks, grills, burgers and healthy smoothies, salads and mocktails.

• The Bagel Bar: A coffee house to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, bagels and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere.

• McDonald’s: World’s leading fast-food retailer, where you can grab a quick bite of yummy burgers, fries and other fast food.

• Olive Garden: Inspired by culinary traditions of Tuscany, this restaurant serves a blend of American-Italian cuisine with traditional Italian hospitality.

• Starbucks: World’s leading coffee house to celebrate the rich tradition of coffee in an exceptional environment.

Places to Visit Near Riverland 

1. Motiongate Dubai: 

Designed after a Hollywood theme park, Motiongate Dubai features some of the country’s biggest attractions. The theme park has a dry area as well as a water adventure zone. Each zone features carefully themed rides based on popular Disney films, catching the interest of adults as well as children.

Motiongate features a ‘Meet and Greet’ section as well, where visitors can watch their favorite characters come to life and also interact with them. An exclusive addition to the park is the Play Areas; made especially for the younger crowd, these play areas take one into elaborate situations and settings from popular children’s cinema, allowing them to interact and play within the story. 

Location: Dubai Park and Resorts - Sheikh Zayed Road - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

2. Bollywood Park: 

The only park of its kind in Dubai, Bollywood Park is an adventure destination that pays tribute to Mumbai-based Bollywood cinema. The unique park features attractions and rides themed after popular Hindi films. The attractions here range from lowkey children’s carousels to elaborate flying saucers and Ferris wheels, thus catering to all age groups.

The opulent Raajmahal theatre sits at the heart of the park, reflecting traditional architectural designs from Rajasthan. The Park features several diners as well. There are several gift shops in this zone as well, selling souvenirs from movies as well as accessories. 

Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

3. Legoland: 

Built especially for younger children, Legoland is the perfect family attraction in Dubai. The Park features a dry area as well as a water park, each showcasing a variety of attractions. The dry land features a host of train rides, little carousels and adventure zones, each built entirely out of gigantic pieces of Lego.

The water section, on the other hand, features attractions catering to visitors of all ages. The Park also offers a tour of the Lego factory, where one can witness and learn how the game is made. A light show is held every day, where over 15,000 mini-Lego lights are used to light the area up.

Location: Parks & Resorts - Sheikh Zayed Rd - AE-AZ - United Arab Emirates

4. Dubai Marina: 

Snaking through the heart of Dubai, the Dubai Marina is a 7-kilometer-long canal known for its stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Home to one of the country’s most affluent neighborhoods, the Dubai Marina is bustling with several attractions.

Its proudest feature is the Dubai Marina Walk, a promenade stretching throughout the Marina’s length. Close to the Marina is the Dubai Marina Mall, packed with upscale retail outlets. The Jumeirah Beach, which is one of Dubai’s most popular public beaches, nestles by the Marina as well.

Location: Central Dubai

5. The Outlet Village: 

The go-to destination for shopping in Dubai, The Outlet Village is an indoor retail space packed with local sellers. Home to over 100 brands, the Outlet Village offers high-end market items at extremely friendly prices. The wares here include almost everything, from clothes to accessories to perfumes. The Village features a host of restaurants and cafes as well, which one can explore during their spree here.

Location: Near Dubai Parks and Resorts - Mina Jebel Ali - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

 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

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

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

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

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

Hotels near Riverland Dubai

1.Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai

Named as one of the TOP 50 hotels in the Middle East, Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai is an Impressive 5-star luxury hotel near the Dubai Expo 2020. Enjoy vibrant Dubai and discover the Dubai Expo 2020 as you immerse yourself in the authentic Arabian style of Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai. Our luxury hotel is just 15 minutes away from the Expo 2020 venue location, walking distance from Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall and the Dubai Metro, with easy access to Dubai’s top attractions. 

2.JA Palm Tree Court

Located within the award-winning JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach Dubai, the luxurious JA Palm Tree Court is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday in Dubai. Relax along the 800m private beach, tempt your taste buds with sumptuous creations at over 16 dining destinations or immerse yourself in the extraordinary variety of activities including 4 pools, a spa, golf course, watersports, horse stables, 4 tennis courts, 3 kids’ clubs and a private marina offering fishing trips and seaplane flights.

3.Rove at The Park

Enjoy a thrilling good time, when staying at Rove At The Park, with close proximity to the region’s largest integrated theme park destination as well as a bustling neighborhood of Dubai Marina and iconic man-made island Palm Jumeirah. Just 20 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport, Rove At The Park is located within Dubai’s most exciting family destination, Dubai Parks and Resorts, home to three world-class theme parks, as well as a water park.

4.Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection

Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection is a Polynesian-themed hotel located in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We are dedicated to families and friends who wish to stay close to all the activities that the theme parks have on offer. With 504 rooms, including 60 suites and 3 villas, our hotel is the perfect relaxation point after a day of adventures and fun. Part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, we offer five food and beverage outlets, outdoor pools, a spa and fitness centre as well as meeting and event facilities.

5.Aloft Dubai South

Embark on a bold journey in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at Aloft Dubai South! Our hotel sits nestled in the heart of Aviation City, and minutes from top attractions such as Dubai Parks & Resorts and Expo 2020. Our boutique accommodation is spacious and tech-savvy with Chrome-cast, plush bedding and complimentary Bliss Spa bathroom amenities.

Tips to Visit 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 everyday

• 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