Meraas Holding – a Dubai-based property company – has announced it will open three major theme parks in the first phase blueprint of its mega-leisure development Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Work on the project began in February 2014 and will see the addition of Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai. In addition to theme park developments, a Riverpark, grand entrance plaza and a family-themed hotel are all scheduled for completion in late 2016.

The new Legoland will be the first in the Middle East and seventh worldwide, while Motiongate Dubai will be dedicated to the silver screen, bringing legendary Hollywood characters to life. Finally, Bollywood Parks Dubai is being billed as the world’s first Bollywood theme park and will celebrate Indian cinema on a grand scale.

The AED10bn (US$2.7bn, €2.1bn, £1.7bn) complex will eventually include five theme parks being built in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai. The other two parks to be included will be an as-of-yet unnamed marine park and a safari park.

Construction consulting firm Hill International will provide Meraas with show and ride construction management services for the first phase of the build. The two-year contract is worth around AED186.9m (US$50.8m, €39.2m, £31.5m).

The plans, backed by Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, are part of plans to bring 20 million visitors to Dubai on an annual basis by 2020, the year the city will host the 2020 World Expo.

“Dubai Parks & Resorts has been designed as the first of its kind entertainment destination that simultaneously opens the gates of three theme parks,” said Abdulla Al Habbai, chair of Meraas Holding.

“The project will feature leading intellectual properties from elite industry players to create leisure and entertainment concepts that are expected to draw more than five million residents and tourists annually. We are confident our efforts will contribute to achieving the Dubai Tourism Vision 2020 and become the pride of our nation.”