Motiongate or Ferrari World: Which Theme Park Is Better?

If you’re planning a theme park visit in the UAE, you might be wondering: What park is better, Motiongate Dubai or Ferrari World Abu Dhabi? The honest answer is: they’re very different parks, built for very different audiences. There is no single “winner”  but depending on what you enjoy, one will suit you far better than the other.

Let’s break it down.

Where Are Motiongate and Ferrari World Located?

Before comparing experiences, it helps to know where these parks are.

• Motiongate Dubai is located at Dubai Parks and Resorts, about 45–60 minutes from central Dubai and Dubai International Airport (DXB).

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Dubai and close to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Although they’re both in the UAE, visiting both parks on the same day is not realistic. 

What Kind of Park Is Motiongate?

Motiongate Dubai is a movie-based theme park inspired by Hollywood films, including franchises from:

• DreamWorks

• Columbia Pictures

• Lionsgate (The Hunger Games, John Wick)

The park focuses on:

• Dark rides

• Family coasters

• Themed environments

• Story-driven attractions

While Motiongate does have thrill rides, they are generally moderate rather than extreme, making the park accessible to a wide audience.

Motiongate is best for:

• Families with older children

• Movie fans

• Visitors who enjoy storytelling and theming

• Guests looking for variety rather than pure adrenaline

What Kind of Park Is Ferrari World?

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a thrill-focused park centered around speed, racing, and extreme rides.

Its headline attractions include:

• Formula Rossa (the world’s fastest roller coaster)

• Flying Aces

• Turbo Track

Ferrari World is less about atmosphere and storytelling and more about big, intense experiences.

Ferrari World is best for:

• Thrill seekers

• Roller coaster fans

• Teenagers and adults

• Visitors specifically chasing extreme rides

Rides & Experience: Story vs Speed

This is where the biggest difference lies.

At Ferrari World, the experience revolves around a small number of very intense rides. If those rides are running and you love high speeds, the park delivers something you can’t find anywhere else.

At Motiongate, the experience is more balanced. You’ll find:

• Multiple ride types

• A mix of indoor and outdoor attractions

• Rides you can enjoy together, not just one by one

There’s simply more variety at Motiongate, even if none of the rides match Ferrari World’s extreme intensity.

Crowd Levels and Atmosphere

Ferrari World can feel:

• Impressive

• Fast-paced

• Slightly overwhelming for non-thrill seekers

Motiongate, while not perfect operationally, often feels:

• More relaxed

• More immersive

• Easier to enjoy at your own pace

Which Park Do We Prefer?

Personally, we prefer Motiongate. Not because Ferrari World isn’t impressive, it absolutely is  but because Motiongate offers:

• More variety

• Better balance between rides and theming

• Attractions you can enjoy together, not just endure

Ferrari World is fantastic if you’re chasing adrenaline. But for us, Motiongate is simply more fun as a full theme park experience.

Final Verdict: Motiongate or Ferrari World?

Choose Ferrari World if you:

• Love extreme roller coasters

• Want record-breaking rides

• Are visiting with thrill-focused teens or adults

Choose Motiongate if you:

• Enjoy themed attractions and storytelling

• Want variety instead of pure speed

• Are visiting as a family or mixed group

• Prefer a more traditional theme park experience

Both parks have their place — but if you’re asking which one we’d go back to first, Motiongate wins for us.