LEGOLAND® DUBAI UNVEILS STUNNING & FIRST OF ITS KIND SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE LEGO® MODEL IN MINILAND AHEAD OF EID HOLIDAY

H.E. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center with LEGOLAND Dubai’s General Manager Siegfried Boerst unveiled another of its highly anticipated LEGO^® models in MINILAND - a replica of the world-renowned Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque-at LEGOLAND^® Dubai, part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest integrated theme park destination in the region set to open on 31 October 2016 ahead of Eid Al-Adha.

Ms. Amal Bamatraf, Director of Culture Communication & Activities Department, also accompanied his Excellency during the visit at MINILAND. The realistic rendition is made of 536,292 LEGO bricks that took over 6,300 hours to complete and weighs approximately 1,323 kilograms.

Aside from being an Islamic cultural destination, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an artistic representation of the architectural icons in the UAE and the Middle East. The creative harmony and the outstanding integration between the Islamic and modern architectural styles made it a great model for architectural design. There were about 30 contractors and 30,000 workers involved in completing various elements of the structure and decoration. Materials were also sourced from many countries including Greece, Italy, Germany, China, India and Morocco to name a few. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque first opened for worshipers during the first day of Eid Al Adha in 2007.

“The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque besides being an Islamic and cultural edifice, it is also considered to be the most important touristic destinations in the UAE and the region due to its unique design, amazing decorations and ornaments.  It was ranked the world’s second favourite landmark in a list compiled by TripAdvisor in 2016, receiving more than 2.5 million visitors in 2015,” said H.E. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General, of The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.  “Having a LEGO model of the Mosque in LEGOLAND Dubai will play a vital role in introducing the mosque as a cultural and touristic destination among the visitors as well as residents,” he also added.

“We are extremely proud to reveal the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque MINILAND model in LEGOLAND Dubai,” said Siegfried Boerst, General Manager of LEGOLAND Dubai. “The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only one of the Emirates’ most important sites, but also a reflection of the UAE’s cultural values and natural heritage."

Technician Syed Mohamad Izzudin Bin Sayed Abu Bakar-Din, from the Merlin Magic Making Malaysian team who was one of the six model builders involved with the project and installation at LEGOLAND Dubai, was also  present for the unveiling.

MINILAND, which is located at the heart of LEGOLAND Dubai, will feature recreations of key sites and landmarks from the region for visitors to see right on their doorstep. It is also the first indoor and air-conditioned MINILAND at a LEGOLAND park, perfect for year round visitation.

LEGOLAND Dubai, together with LEGOLAND^® Water Park, is part of Dubai Parks and Resorts which will also feature MOTIONGATE^™ Dubai – a unique theme park showcasing some of Hollywood’s most beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Studios and Lionsgate. Committed to bringing together the best of the East and West, Dubai Parks and Resorts will also feature Bollywood Parks^™ Dubai, the first ever theme park based on the sights and sounds of Bollywood. The entire destination will be connected by Riverland^™ Dubai – a retail, dining and entertainment walkway and guests can stay at the Lapita^™ Hotel, a Polynesian-themed resort catering to families.

LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park announced the launch of their Annual Pass, offering fun and exciting experiences for guests who want to be the “first to play” at the LEGOLAND parks’ 60 rides, waterslides attractions and building experiences before they officially open to the public on 31 October 2016.

The first Annual Pass holders will become privileged members that will be among the first families ever to try the rides and attractions, and will enjoy exclusive incentives including special access to private events helping to put the finishing touches on the park, as well as a commemorative LEGO^® brick and Annual Pass Card. In addition to 12 months admission to LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park, all annual pass holders will enjoy benefits such as discounts on the park’s retail and food and beverage and special offers throughout the year.

The annual two-park combo pass for LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park is priced at 995 AED, with the annual pass for LEGOLAND Dubai only priced at 765 AED, and can be purchased at www.LEGOLAND.ae or at www.dubaiparksandresorts.com

To purchase Annual Passes, find more information on LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park or to sign up for newsletters for the latest updates, visit www.LEGOLAND.ae.