Real Madrid theme park coming to Dubai in world first

Dubai Parks and Resorts is collaborating with the football club for the unique partnership

The Real Madrid theme park will have club merchandise and memorabilia, including from current talisman striker Karim Benzema. AP

With football fever reaching a crescendo, fans of the sport have a lot to look forward to even after the World Cup in Qatar draws to a close.

Dubai Parks and Resorts has signed a deal with Real Madrid, one of the world's biggest and most successful clubs.

The unique theme park, set to open next year, will be dedicated to all things Real Madrid, including its spirit, players and decorated history — their remarkable 14 European Cup wins is one of their many records.

Visitors can enjoy audio-visual displays, interactive and playable experiences, and memorabilia inspired by the culture of the team named by Fifa as the Best Club of the 20th century.

While the venue's design is still being finalised, it is set to include a museum and roller coasters and other rides, alongside food and drink outlets, merchandise stores and football games for fans of all ages.

“We are thrilled to add this ambitious project to Dubai's thriving entertainment and leisure offer,” said Fernando Eiroa, chief executive at Dubai Holding Entertainment.

“Real Madrid is a megastar of world football, with an unmatched track record and millions of supporters from every corner of the planet. We look forward to engaging sports fans, families and children and supporting an active youth community across the UAE.”

The theme park is set to open at the end of next year.,

Until then, supporters can visit dedicated fan zones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that are screening World Cup matches live from Sunday until December 18.

Scroll through the gallery below to see football fan zones in Dubai

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  The Football Park in the DIFC will offer free outdoor screenings, plus tables starting from Dh350, redeemable against food and drinks. Photo: DIFC

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  The Press Play fan zone will feature a 250-square-metre screen. Photo: Precision Football x Press Play

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  A rendering of City Centre Mirdif Stadium on the mall's rooftop. Photo: City Centre Mirdif

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  Drift Beach Dubai will operate the 60-seater Ruinart Lounge for a luxurious match-watching experience. Photo: One&Only Royal Mirage

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  Soul Beach DXB will transform into a fan zone with pool and beachside seating options. Photo: Soul Beach DXB

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  The Beach Stadium at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is a 1,600-square-metre football fan zone, kick-starting on November 20. Photo: Hilton

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  Stadium Lounge at City Walk will host PlayStation tournaments before the semi-final and final matches. Photo: City Walk

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  Address Beach Resort will set up an air-conditioned tent to screen the matches. Photo: Address Beach Resort

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  The JBR Football Village at DoubleTree by Hilton Jumeirah Beach.