Hollywood, Bollywood and Lego theme parks take shape in Dubai – in pictures

Ongoing construction of Regal Theatre, a part of the Bollywood theme park of which Arco General Contracting has been appointed to build. Jeff Topping for The National

The power sub-station under construction by Dubai-based firm ETA. As works ramp up on the Dh10 billion project, the number of workers on site is expected to increase to 6,000 by 2015. Jeff Topping for The National

The power sub-station under construction by Dubai-based firm ETA. As works ramp up on the Dh10 billion project, the number of workers on site is expected to increase to 6,000 by 2015. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

The patch of desert, which is shielded from public view, is busy with more than 1,500 workers assembling the theme parks, which are planned to open in 2016. Jeff Topping for The National

Three parks, designed by architects including Rabben Herman, Gensler, HOK, RTKL, Forrec and Riva Creative, would rise from this patch of desert. Jeff Topping for The National

The kilometre-long canal in the desert plied by water taxis is set to be the star attraction of an entrance plaza that will connect the three theme parks. Above, a rendering of Riverpark. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

Above, a rendering of the Bollywood Parks. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

A rendering of Lapita, a Polynesian-themed four-star resort that is part of the theme parks project. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

An artist's rendering of the Bollywood Parks. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

A rendering of the Legoland theme park. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

An artist's rendering of the Bollywood Parks. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

This how India Gate in Riverpark would look like when it opens October 2016. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

A street scene in the Motiongate theme park. Courtesy Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts, a unit of Meraas Holding, said it had completed 35 per cent of preliminary infrastructure work across its multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination and more than 50 per cent of the construction contracts have been procured.