Audrey Hepburn, in a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's, with a supporting actress, can be found at ... [+]
The clock is ticking, the countdown is truly on, and the wait is nearly over. As of October 14, Madame Tussauds Dubai will officially open its doors to the public for the first time. It is set to be an attraction that truly represents the fascinating world of glamour, sport, music, and entertainment all under one roof.
Undoubtedly one of the most exciting and highly anticipated launches in the region this year, the Dubai edition of the world-famous wax attraction is the first of its kind in the GCC and the 25th edition of the attraction globally. The UAE’s latest must-visit hotspot will welcome guests seven days a week and boasts a stunning location within the vibrant island destination Bluewaters, which is adjacent to the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai.
To celebrate the launch, Madame Tussauds Dubai has a special preview ticket offer where guests can book and visit the attraction to get a sneak peek inside on the 8th and 9th October.
Pop singer Justin Timberlake will be in attendance at Madame Tussauds Dubai, where you and your ... [+]
With seven specially designed themed rooms (including a party area complete with an interactive dance floor) and an amazing wax figure library that reads like a Who’s Who of international superstars, a visit to Madame Tussauds Dubai has something for everyone and is destined to thrill all ages. The line-up of figures includes sports heroes such as Connor McGregor, historical figures including the Queen of England, models such as Cara Delevingne, and many more. The iconic attraction will be home to 60 celebrities from around the world, including 16 brand-new figures from the Middle East.
I conducted an exclusive interview for Forbes.com with a Dubai Tourism spokesperson, and here is what I was told. Enjoy!
Can you tell me a little bit about the process of making a wax figure?
Madame Tussauds first opened its doors in 1835 in London, and has nearly 200 years of heritage. Each figure at Madame Tussauds is created using the expertise of sculptors who use the same techniques as the famous Marie Tussaud. To create a single lifelike figure it takes an artist 12 weeks in total, and during that time they document 500 precise body measurements, insert real hair strand by strand, apply countless layers of paints to build up the skin tones, and more. This entire process helps to achieve the incredible likeness that has made Madame Tussauds world renowned for more than two centuries. The time and craftsmanship is also reflected in the value of each figure, which can cost up to a whopping AED 700,000 (about $190,000) depending on the detail required.
What are the seven specially designed theme rooms?
Madame Tussauds Dubai offers themed experiences including: Music Party, Fashion, Film, Leaders, Bollywood, Sports, and Media.
For example, here’s just a small taste of what you’ll find in the world of fashion. You’ll make your way down a hall of mirrors made with crystals. Step into the bling-tastic mirrored Jewelry Box room and take a photo as you swing on a giant pearl necklace. Next, be featured on the cover of a world-renowned fashion magazine, before meeting British fashion sensation Victoria Beckham. Stand on the catwalk and pose in avant-garde fashion garments for Anna Wintour and hear what she thinks, before going to meet the model of the century, Cara Delevingne. If you are a Jenner fan, then get excited because you can get up-close with sisters Kendall and Kylie, and take the ultimate selfie. The room couldn’t be complete without icons from the region – you can stand by and take a selfie with one of the Middle East’s most successful beauty entrepreneurs, Huda Kattan, or pose with Kim Kardashian’s best friend and businesswoman Carla Di Bello. That’s not all — you can even have the chance to meet Lebanese fashion designer, Elie Saab.
What about Hollywood?
Lights, camera, action! Step into the world of Hollywood and feel like a movie star. Explore the different giant film reels around the room to discover different movies you can step into and be part of. Join Audrey Hepburn and have a Breakfast at Tiffany’s moment, where you can put on the diamond necklaces and fur shawls, and feel the glamour. Star alongside the amazing Spider-Man as you hang off a building high above Dubai, before being part of an epic chase with Tom Cruise as you join him on the back of his motorbike.
Next, make your way into the fascinating world of Bollywood where you’ll be amazed by the spectacular secret garden, full of flowers and color. You’ll be amazed by all the famous Indian A-listers and you can even star in your very own Bollywood music video and show off your best moves with the interactive digital screen.
In the sports room you can discover the ultimate insta-fame experience, from optical illusions to layered 2D graphic backdrops to freeze-frame you in the most epic sporting action shots. When entering the sports arena, you are immediately transported into different genres of sport. Step into the ring with Muhammad Ali and pretend to get hit with a knockout punch. To celebrate the region’s most notable athletes, the sports room features three notable figures that have put the UAE on the global sporting map. For example, you can admire and watch Emirati weightlifter Amna Al Haddad push up a barbell stacked with weights, and capture a photo with one of region’s most iconic footballers and Saudi national, Yasser Al Qahtani.
What about the world of music?
You are invited to a very exclusive party-of-the-century where only the most famous movie stars and musicians will be seen. In the center of the room is the jewel of the oasis – an interactive dance floor where guests can show off their best moves and pose for some awesome photos. After you admire Miley Cyrus and her shimmering wrecking ball, head over and take the selfie-of-a-lifetime with Justin Bieber, Will Smith, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake - they are all waiting for you to come and take your best photo.
Tell me a little bit about Bluewaters, the vibrant island destination where Madame Tussauds Dubai is located.
Bluewaters blends residential, retail, hospitality, leisure and entertainment experiences. The idyllic waterfront destination enjoys multi-mode transport options that offer tourists and residents the opportunity to reach the island by land or sea.
Happy Visiting! And while in Dubai, take my advice and get yourself to the famous gold souk where you will be impressed with the many18K, 22K and 24K options galore!
For more about Debbi Follow her on Instagram at @Debbikickham. And please subscribe to Forbes.com.
