Riverland is sometimes described as the gateway to Dubai Parks & Resorts, the Middle East’s largest theme park destination. However, it is more than just that. Constructed around a one kilometer long manmade waterway, Riverland is divided into four zones that come together brilliantly to form a unique environment of fun, food, music, celebration and entertainment. These are the French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Peninsula.
A dedicated dining and retail destination, Riverland Dubai is home to over 50 cafes, restaurants and shops. Situated in Dubai Parks & Resorts, Riverland is spread across 234,000 square feet and offers its visitors a unique environment to relax, enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner or simply take a break.
The 4 unique zones (more about them below) are spread along the winding river and are connected via bridges and riverside pedestrian paths. Riverland promises to not only take you on a wonderful culinary and shopping experience, but also on a journey through time.
Riverland Dubai Zones
The 4 distinct zones of Riverland Dubai are dedicated to some of the most important eras in the world’s past. Each themed zone has been carefully constructed and bears a striking resemblance to the era it is designed to reflect.
The French Village
The French Village, with its cobbled pathways and stone bridges, will remind you of 16th century Dijon, in France. The village has a central “town square” with a working water wheel across the river. As you walk along the winding paths in between olive trees and structured buildings, you will be accompanied by the sound of classical French music as well.
Favourites
The restaurants in the French Village reflect a European theme as well. Must try in the French Village are bakeries Le Pain Quotidien and Pascal Tepper and the American-Italian restaurant Olive Garden.
Boardwalk
Leading up to Motiongate, Boardwalk has been designed to reflect the urban American landscape of the 1950s. Decorated with neon signs, Boardwalk will remind you of the era in which Elvis Presley was worshipped. Boardwalk is famous for it’s casual diner-style eateries and live entertainment. The interiors of these outlets reflect the 1950s as well.
Favourites
The restaurants in Boardwalk are primarily dedicated to the quintessential American taste. Popular outlets include Shake Shack, Super Chix and Tortilla. For those with a sweet tooth, do check out ice cream parlour Ella’s Creamery, and Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory.
India Gate
Situated near the entrance to Bollywood Park, India Gate is designed to reflect the vibrancy of India in the 1920s. The buildings have been meticulously constructed to resemble this era of India history. The centerpiece of the zone is a giant statue showcasing 4 henna-decorated arms. India Gate is famous for it's restaurants that highlight the cuisine of Southern Asia.
Favourites
The restaurants in India Gate reflect a predominantly South Asian theme. Must try in India Gate are contemporary Indian cuisine at Bol Gappa, emirati seafood at A Mashawa and Chinese stir fry at Wok Chi.
Image Source - Traveller Czech
The Peninsula
Situated in the heart of Riverland, The Peninsula’s design resembles that of the industrial 19th century England. Popular for it’s waterside restaurants and being the only licensed zone in Riverland, The Peninsula is also home to a huge central plaza that regularly hosts festivals.
Favourites
The most popular venues in The Peninsula are The Irish Village and the Japanese restaurant Katsuya By Starck. Also remember to check out the Big Chef and Ecco Pizzas and Pasta.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter
Your dose of travel fix - from hacks and deals to travel tips and everything in between,
delivered monthly to your inbox
Riverland Dubai Timings
Sat to Wed: 10:00am - 11:00pm
Thu to Fri: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Entering Riverland Dubai
Situated within Dubai Parks & Resorts and connecting each theme park, Riverland is the go-to relaxation zone for everyone visiting the park. However, entering Riverland does not require a ticket. All 4 zones of Riverland Dubai are open to public and are free of cost.
Parking
General Parking is 20 AED and it is free of charge after 6:30 pm
Dining and Shopping in Riverland Dubai
The French Village
1. Pascal Tepper
The famed international chain of cafes led by Master Baker and Chef Pascal Tepper will be opening soon at Riverland Dubai. Pascal Tepper brings a contemporary take on traditional French dine-in bakery and is particularly famous for its oven-fresh bread and Viennoiserie.
Timings
Opening Soon
2. Giraffe
The menu of Giraffe is global - inspired by cultures and dishes from all around the globe. Must haves at Giraffe include burgers, fresh salads, steak along with mocktails, hand roasted coffee, and healthy smoothies.
Timings
Opening Soon
3. The Bagel Bar & Coffee House
The Bagel Bar Coffee House wants you to relax, enjoy and revive yourself with the best bagel and coffee in town. Known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, The Bagel Bar Coffee House is famous for its sandwiches.
Timings
10am to 11pm
4. McDonald's
McDonald's doesn’t need an introduction. Take a break and enjoy the best fries and coke at McDonald’s, Riverland Dubai. The restaurant is equipped with the latest interactive technology systems that make dining a fun experience.
Timings
10am to 11pm
5. Olive Garden
Olive Garden serves dishes that are inspired by the food of Tuscany. The restaurant serves fresh & simple Italian cuisine in a relaxed and homely atmosphere. One of the most popular restaurants in Riverland, Olive Garden combines the best of American-Italian cuisine and traditional Italian hospitality.
Timings
10am to 11pm
Arguably the most popular coffee chain in the world, Starbucks is now at Riverland. Become a part of the Starbucks community as you partake in their coffee culture.
Timings
10am to 11pm
Le Pain Quotidien literally translates to the daily bread and is a bakery that you should definitely try. The setting promotes sitting together and eating like a family.
Timings
Opening soon
Taste some of the best tea and coffee from around the world at Leopold’s. Leopold’s of London is one of a kind and is especially famous for a tasting that could include 75 types of tea from 45 countries.
Timings
10am to 11pm
1. Boots
Boots, unlike it’s name, is UK’s top health and beauty retailer. Boots is famous around the world for creating successful health and beauty brands. They have doing this for over 160 years.
Timings
10am - 11pm
2. I <3 Dubai
I Love Dubai should be your go-to destination gifts, souvenirs and novelty items for tourists and residents of Dubai. The products at I Love Dubai are tastefully created and reflect the culture of the land.
Timings
10am - 11pm
3. Gallery One
Gallery One is home to some of the most beautiful and creative mementos from Dubai. Set in a provencal style store set within an old mill, you will find everything from artworks to t-shirts at Gallery One.
Timings
Opening Soon
4. Wired Up
Wired Up creates some of the most beautiful and intricate works of customized and handcrafted wire jewelry made from silver, 14k gold, and Swarovski crystals. With over a 1,000 potential design combinations, you can purchase exquisite necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, rings and scarf pins.
Timings
10am - 11pm
5. Havaianas
Havaianas brings the cool of Brazil to the shores of Dubai. These designer slippers have been inspired by the Zori, a typical Japanese sandals and reflect high quality, comfort and designs.
Timings
10am - 11pm
Boardwalk
1. Coffee Club
One of the best coffee houses in Riverland, The Coffee Club also serves up some of the most scrumptious brunches.
Timings
10am to 11pm
2. Super Chix Chicken & Custard
As the name suggests, Super Chix Chicken & Custard are devoted to perfecting the art of cooking chicken. In addition to that, there is a wide assortment of hand cut fries, drinks and fresh frozen custards.
Timings
10am to 11pm
3. Tortilla
Tortilla brings classic California-style burritos and tacos from the burrito capital of the world - San Francisco. It’s Mexican summer time here in Dubai.
Timings
10am to 11pm
4. Ella’s Creamery
Ella’s Creamery is inspired by the American ice cream parlors of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Not only are they delicious, but their presentation makes it a treat for all your senses.
Timings
10am to 11pm
5. Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory
Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory is heaven for confectionery lovers. Serving delicious ice cream, imported candies, and cool toys for company, you should definitely treat yourself to their FuzziSundae or FuzziCoffee. You can also watch how chocolate treats, caramel apples, and fudge are made.
Timings
10am to 11pm
6. Galito’s Flame Grilled Chicken
Galito’s believes in serving chicken that comes straight from your mother’s kitchen.Their traditional marinade is made from natural ingredients that include select herbs and spices. The chicken marinates for at least 24 hours and then goes to the grill.
Timings
10am to 11pm
7. Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave’s is one of the top American BBQ chains. Their authentic BBQ uses a live-wood smoker stoked with hickory logs. The meats are hand-rubbed with a custom blend of spices and cooked for hours to extract the natural flavors.
Timings
10am to 11pm
8. Shake Shack
A modern take on the traditional “roadside” burger, Shake Shack is known for its 100% natural Angus beef burgers, frozen custard, crispy crinkle cut fries and more.
Timings
10am to 11pm
9. 800 degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria
800 degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria was founded by Anthony Carron in the US and is dedicated to the art of traditional Italian homemade pizza. The pizza is baked in front of you in an almond wood oven using the freshest ingredients.
Timings
10am to 11pm
1. Etisalat
Etisalat is the UAE’s leading telecom operator Their services include mobile, Internet, TV services and smart solutions to people, businesses and government.
Timings
Opening Soon
2. Tarsam Image
Tarsam Images is now open in Riverland Dubai. Renowned for their high tech innovative gadgets, Tarsam is also popular for its unique decoration style.
Timings
10am to 11pm
3. Sun Eye
Get the latest in eyewear fashion and technology at Sun Eye Optical. The store has eyewear from some of the most renowned manufacturers and feature UV Ray Protection, anti-reflection coating and polarized lenses.
Timings
10am to 11pm
India Gate
1. Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee is perfect if you’re looking to relax after a day at the park. As you sip on your mug of handcrafted coffee, you can also enjoy a wide selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads and sweet treats.
Timings
10am to 11pm
2. Al Mashawa
Al Mashawa is one of the best restaurants to taste authentic Arabic seafood in Dubai and serves food that has been inspired by recipes from the past. Traditional Emirati seafood cuisines are served in an elegant surrounding.
Timings
Weekdays 12am - 11pm | Weekends - 12am - 12pm
3. Barbecue Delights
Barbecue Delights features cuisines from the heart of North India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. An extremely popular restaurant, Barbecue Delights has been the BBC Good Food Award Winner for the Best Indian Casual Dining Restaurant.
Timings
Opening Soon
4. Bol Gappa
This Bollywood-themed restaurant offers a fresh take on Indian fusion cooking. A contemporary restaurant, Bol Gappa’s menu is a delicious fusion of western flavours and eastern spices.
Timings
10am to 11pm
5. Haru Robatayaki
Haru Robatayaki is an experience. You can watch masters of their art assemble fresh made-to-order sushi rolls. Haru combines an interactive and informal dining experience where people can come together and enjoy authentic Japanese food.
Timings
10am to 11pm
6. Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice is your go to destination for smoothies and fresh juices on a hot Dubai day. Also offering snacks, Jamba Juice uses fresh and high-quality ingredients that nourish the body and support a healthy lifestyle.
Timings
10am to 11pm
7. Wok Chi
Enjoy lip-smacking Chinese delicacies at Wok Chi. Get a stir fry of your choice made just how you want it and enjoy it in the company of friends and family.
Timings
10am to 11pm
8. Shrimpy
Take a break and enjoy some lip-smacking food at Shrimpy. Shrimpy offers a wonderful selection of high quality dishes that are reasonably priced and served in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
Timings
10am to 11pm
1. Maharaja Gifts and Souvenirs
Maharaja is the ideal store if you're looking for personalized and unique gifts. Maharaja is known for their large variety of gifts on offer - trendy gadgets, designer plushes, artistic handicrafts and jewelry, bags, t-shirts and more.
Timings
10am to 11pm
2. Feet First
Situated in India Gate, Feet First will surely be a treat for those weary legs that have been walking all day long. The techniques employed at Feet First are based on oriental teachings that go back thousands of years. Head to Feet First if you want an authentic therapeutic massage.
Timings
Opening soon
The Peninsula
1. Ecco Pizza & Pasta
Ecco is renowned for its authentic pasta and wood-fired pizza. Crafted by an Italian chef, only the best natural ingredients make it into their recipes that bear the mark of true Italian heritage.
Timings
Timing: 10:00 am to 11:00pm
2. Katsuya by Starck
Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and designer Philippe Starck bring the best of Japanese cuisine to Riverland. A dining experience at Katsuya is not just a culinary delight but also a feast for the senses.
Timings
Opening Soon
3. The Irish Village
The Irish Villages serves traditional Irish food and offers the perfect Irish experience. The warm decor and the lovely welcoming feel of the place will have you coming back again and again.
Timings
11am - 12pm
4. Big Chef
Come to Big Chef’s if you’re looking for dining in a laid back environment. The food is big on the international scene and served dishes from around the world.
Timings
11am - 12pm
Available Facilities
Strollers (available for rent)
Getting to Riverland Dubai
Riverland Dubai is located within the Dubai Parks and Resorts in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Palm Jebel Ali.
By car
It’s a relatively easy ride to Riverland Dubai. From downtown Dubai, the trip is around 40 minutes. Head south of Sheikh Zayed Road. Drive past Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali and you will see Dubai Parks and Resorts on the left.
Via public transport
Take the red metro line south all the way to the last station, Jebel Ali. From there, you will have to take a taxi the rest of the way - which should only take you about 15 minutes.
From Dubai International Airport
Head south on E11, also known as Sheikh Zayed Road, towards Abu Dhabi. It’s just a straight shot from there, past Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali. You will see Dubai Parks and Resorts on your left. The trip takes around 45 minutes with low traffic, or close to an hour if there is heavy traffic.
From Al Maktoum International Airport
Riverland is only 20 minutes away from this Al Maktoum. Take the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road south and turn right towards E11. Take another right, towards Dubai. Dubai Parks and Resorts will appear almost immediately on the right side of the road.
Hotels Near Riverland Dubai
