UAE's greatest 2016 achievements: LEGOLAND Dubai

The opening of LEGOLAND Dubai was a dream come true for many children - and adults - who were anxiously waiting for the opening of yet another of Dubai's impressive theme parks.
Although LEGOLAND is located within the larger Dubai Parks and Resorts Complex, which opened the same day, LEGOLAND is designed for a full-day or more of interactive experiences for families and children.
Many of the UAE's iconic landmarks are represented in the park, most notably the world's largest Lego building - a 17-metre tall replica of the Burj Khalifa built over the course of 5,000 hours using 439,000 Lego bricks, which collectively weight over a tonne.
Additionally, also present is the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was built using 536,292 Lego pieces over the course of over 6,300 man hours. Other Lego structures at the park include the Burj Al Arab, an entire section of Shaikh Zayed Road, the Dubai Canal, Dubai Marina and even DXB, as well as the ruins of Petra, the Taj Mahal, and Kuwait Tower.
LEGOLAND has proved to be an immediate hit with Dubai residents.
"This LEGOLAND inspires our wildest imagination," nine-year old Ezekiel Caidoy told Khaleej Times during the opening.
October 31 also saw the opening of Riverlands Dubai, which includes a  French village complete with historic architecture of Europe from the late 1600's, as well as sections themed on 1950s America, colonial India and the 19th century themed Peninsula.
Among those who have visited both facilities was His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
"This national cultural achievement will add new building blocks to the structure of development and progress of the UAE," Shaikh Mohammed noted just days before the official opening.
- bernd@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai