Skip to main content

Merlin opening new Madame Tussauds Dubai later this year

News
madame tussauds dubai

Merlin Entertainments is set to open a new Madame Tussauds in Dubai, located on the island Bluewaters adjacent to Ain Dubai.

Merlin Entertainments is opening its latest Madame Tussauds location in Dubai, located on the island destination Bluewaters adjacent to Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest observation wheel.

Madame Tussauds Dubai will be an interactive experience where visitors can meet 60 wax stars, including 16 new wax figures from the Middle East region. These include Nancy Ajram and Maya Diab.

Madame Tussauds first opened in London in 1835. Sculptors create each wax figure using the same techniques as Marie Tussaud. It takes sculptors 12 weeks to create just one wax figure.

60 wax celebs at Madame Tussauds Dubai

madame tussauds dubai

“As one of the world leaders in location-based entertainment, we are delighted to be launching the first-ever Madame Tussauds in the GCC, Dubai, later this year,” said Meike Lippert, senior divisional director of Midway Europe and global new openings at Merlin.  

“In addition to well-known global figures, the new Madame Tussauds will also be home to figures celebrated in the Middle East including Nancy Ajram and Maya Diab, alongside other figures which we will announce very soon.

“The new attraction will provide an immersive and exhilarating experience for visitors to enjoy the famous world of renowned celebrities and personalities.”

Madame Tussauds Dubai is the first location in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It will boast 7 themed rooms, including a Bollywood movie-inspired area. Additional celebrities to feature include Kylie Jenner, Cara Delevingne and Christiano Ronaldo.

Merlin’s first Madame Tussauds in GCC

madame tussauds dubai

Merlin Entertainments is also opening a Madame Tussauds alongside Dorottya Experience Kft in Budapest in early 2022. It will be home to international and Hungarian wax celebrities.

“It is a thrilling experience to bring the iconic Madame Tussauds to the UAE,” said Sanaz Kollsrud, general manager of Madame Tussauds Dubai.

“This will be the 25th edition of our wax attraction and will be a first in the GCC. We intend to bring a whole new entertainment experience to the exciting portfolio of attractions in Dubai and cement Bluewaters’ position as a global tourist destination.”

Meanwhile, Merlin and Hasbro are creating the world’s first standalone Peppa Pig Resort in Sichuan, China. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2021, and the resort is due to open in 2024.

Images: Merlin Entertainments

Share this

Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update