Dubailand was planned to become the biggest urban entertainment center globally. Start was in 2005, but during the global financial crisis in 2009 works have stopped.
Arabian Ranches, Motorcity, Sports City are all parts of Dubailand.
As usual for new development projects a sales office was built, including a large model of the area.
Outside the building, which is located at the big Arabian Ranches roundabout, from far visible is a model of a rocket, oversized motocross and a skiing figures. When you come via the D63 street (Umm Suqeim Street) you can enter through the Dubailand “entrance door”.
In the back of the building then you find a little “jungle” with models of Elephants, Giraffes, Dolphins, a Panda and an Orka.
I highly recommend to visit the Dubailand model inside the building. It is amazing (rather crazy) what was planned back then. See the Emirates Road going through a skyscraper scene like you know it from the Sheik Zayed Road.
Opened Saturday-Thursday 08:30 – 17:00, the entrance is free of charge. Besides the big Dubailand model there is an exhibition of different visionary themes.
Some time back there were some (living) tigers outside the building, when you enter the building on the right behind the glass walls. Last year the tigers were moved, I heard to the zoo because they have more space there.
I haven’t seen this in any travel guide for Dubai but I really think it’s worth a visit. That’s why I placed my first cache here.
About the cache:
The cache is a little aluminum box containing logbook and pencil. There is space for small travel bugs or trades.
You might be watched by security staff. Just be friendly to them and pretend you want to take photos of all the nice garden exhibits.
Have fun and don’t forget to visit the model inside.