While international tourist traffic to Dubai has temporarily declined due to the regional situation, the emirate's theme parks have recorded a noticeable increase in visitors among locals and UAE residents. According to Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, which manages Global Village and Dubai Parks and Resorts, resident families have been coming more often, and the company responded promptly with special programs and promotions.
This shift is no accident. After Global Village's brief closure due to regional tensions, after reopening, the park welcomed even more guests on certain days than before the break. Eiroa noted that many visitors are precisely local families who previously chose such leisure formats less often. Special events and promotional campaigns aimed at residents produced a quick effect and helped stabilize attendance.
In parallel, Dubai Holding Entertainment announced new projects: an additional park, roller coasters at Global Village, and the return of T-REX glamping. These plans reflect a strategy that bets not only on foreign tourists but also on growing domestic demand. The company's other assets — Roxy Cinemas and Green Planet — are also showing steady results.
The situation illustrates a broader trend: during periods of uncertainty, residents of the metropolis begin to explore their own entertainment spaces more actively. Dubai Parks and Resorts, which includes MOTIONGATE, LEGOLAND and Real Madrid World, reopened the season in October 7 specifically with an eye to family local traffic ahead of the school holidays.
Apparently, this balance between international and domestic tourism helps the industry remain resilient. Even with a temporary decline in arrivals from abroad, local demand offsets the losses and at the same time strengthens residents' connection to the city's entertainment infrastructure. The season promises to be successful, although the company traditionally does not disclose exact figures.
