City Walk was presented to the public in 2013. It added a new landmark to the nearby area of Jumeirah and became a modern icon in Dubai. City Walk was built by the famous developer Meraas, who is known for its chic destinations and unique flavors. Like every other destination by them, City Walk also has a signature touch to its design and the whole vibe of the place.
The City Walk is located on Al Safa Street, a quarter just off Sheik Zayed Road, which gives it excellent connectivity. It is a shopping and entertainment destination close to downtown Dubai. However, City Walk offers visitors unique experiences, unlike a regular indoor shopping mall. Although the City Walk layout looks like a typical street, it is exclusively for pedestrians, and vehicles are prohibited inside the area.
After opening in 2013, the area expanded further in 2015 and again in 2016. Today, it is a bustling attraction for Dubai residents and tourists alike.
City Walk is family-friendly, providing many entertainment opportunities for kids and their parents. The largest gaming center in the UAE is a part of this and has a complete building dedicated to it.
Although not exhaustive, here is a list of attractions in the City Walk Dubai.
Attractions in City Walk Dubai
The Green Planet
It is probably the most prominent and one-of-a-kind spot on the city walk. The green planet has grown a mini tropical rainforest in the desert, which, too, is in the middle of a busy city.
In the middle of the Citywalk is a sizeable glass-shaped dome with a climate-controlled biome. Over 3000 species of wild animals thrive in this biome, which requires 70% humidity to support the alien species in Dubai’s hot and arid climate.
The dome does not look like a dome from the outside. It follows a more modern architecture, with the central glass cylinder surrounded by a cubical structure that houses the biome’s equipment.
When you enter the glass dome, you will first notice the tree. The tree starts from the floor of the green planet and extends to the top, with branches spanning the entire radius of the dome. The tree might look quite natural and live on a first look, but it is as fake as a 200-dollar bill.
The tree supports natural plants planted on it, which is why it is called a life-supporting tree and is the largest of its kind.
In a few years, as all the plants grow and run around the life-sustaining tree, it will look much greener.
The most intriguing aspect of the green planet is animals. Unlike typical zoos that exhibit, species that usually delve into tropical rainforests are selected here. They include many reptiles, birds, and animals you usually won’t find in a zoo.
You will note that these animals are brightly colored. These include chameleons, macaws, sloths, snakes, and crocodiles. The green planet is a small waterfall and an aquarium surrounding the giant tree’s foot.
Hub Zero
An 18,000 sq meter gamers’ paradise is spread over two floors in a dedicated building. It has redefined the gaming scene in Dubai. The world’s biggest game companies have dedicated spaces for them, themed after famous games from each. There are 14 gaming zones, including Electronic Arts, Capcom, and Microsoft.
Customized gaming simulators adapted to each game’s environment provide an immersive gaming experience. Gamers have been asking for Hub Zero: 360-degree gaming.
There are separate game areas modeled to suit the game world for Gears of War and Ghost Busters. You can be like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible inside the Laser Maze. It would be best if you sneaked undetected, avoiding all the sensors to save the Hub Zero base from extinction.
Have you ever ridden on a dragon? It’s cool if you haven’t done so because you can do so in Hub Zero. Check out the Dragon flight simulator for that. But those with a thing for speed will like the HyperDrive, an immersive racing simulator with a broader angle of view and all the real-life accessories. You can drive at gobsmacking speeds without any risks of it.
If you are more into real-world games, they have it too. You can put your soccer skills to the test in the soccer simulator or scale up the climbing wall. The billiards tables are for those who want it a little more relaxed.
Hub Zero is suitable for extended visits. If you are here to enjoy the games, you should have at least three hours.
Mattel Play! Town
If Hub Zero is for older kids and young adults, Mattel Play! Town (or simply Mattel Playground) is for younger kids. Kids can meet their favorite cartoon characters and become the characters in this playground.
Mattel is the leading toy producer on the planet. Their toy characters from the last century have lived through generations and are popular even among Generation Z. Barbie used to be their most popular toy. But Mattel’s Play Ground in Dubai brings all the latest and greatest toy characters that have made their presence in cartoons and animated movies.
Barney and friends
Meet the purple dinosaur Barney and his cute little friends. Kids can watch Barney shows, which give short lessons for the young ones.
Thomas and friends
The talking train engine and his friends will take kids places and discover new places along the journey. All this happens in a 4D cinema environment.
Fireman Sam
Be a firefighter and learn to save lives. Fireman Sam is a roleplaying game that lets kids dress up like firefighters with helmets and firetrucks. They can climb the walls, slide to the bottom, and complete different challenges.
Bob the Builder
We all know the hardworking builder and his friendly team of construction equipment. Mattel allows kids to explore creativity and build things using small, kid-friendly cranes and trolleys. These activities can help kids learn teamwork and develop their motor skills.
Besides all this, there are party rooms for celebrations. Mattel Play! The ground suits kids still in love with their toys and cartoon characters.
Coca-Cola arena
This is the latest addition to the city walk. The Coca-Cola arena, named after the famous soft drink brand, was completed in June 2019. It can seat up to 17000 people at a time. Before being named the Coca-Cola Arena, it was called the Dubai Arena. It is located opposite the Burj Khalifa metro station and is easily accessible.
Since its opening, this arena has hosted hundreds of shows, even before completing a year. The arena shines in all red to resemble the Coca-Cola brand. This modern-looking place has become the central entertainment center in Dubai.
Street arts
The walls of most of Meraas’s developments become canvasses for artists. City Walk has many street art and murals.
However, one unique aspect of City Walk is the 3D art. These works of art offer different perspectives depending on where you look at them.