15. Six Flags Dubai (Jebel Ali, Dubai)

Status: In planning
Opening in: 2017

Six Flags famously announced a spectacular-looking park for the Dubailand development back in 2008. However, those plans went into meltdown along with the global financial situation later that year.

Now, however, the firm has signed a deal with Meraas Leisure and Entertainment to revive hopes of a Six Flags park in Dubai. It is due to open in 2017 - but it's possible (likely, even) that it won't be as spectacular as the concept art released for the original park.

The latest: There have been no updates on Six Flags Dubai for a few months, but Six Flags’ partner Meraas is definitely moving ahead with the construction of Legoland Dubai (due to open in 2016), which shows its commitment to developing theme parks in the region.

14. Twentieth Century Fox World Korea

Status: In planning
Opening in: 2018

With work on the Malaysian park underway, Twentieth Century Fox has wasted no time in moving forward with plans to build a second park in Korea. The proposed park would cover a relatively slight 75 acres, and Fox has signed a memorandum of understanding with Australian partner Village Roadshow and the governor of the Korean province of Gyeongsangnam-do.

The park will be just one element of the 700-acre resort and luxury development dubbed the Ungdong Entertainment Complex, and is likely to feature a similar line-up to the Malaysian park. However, no attraction announcements have been made yet and the park appears to be at an early stage of developments.

13. London Paramount Entertainment Resort

Status: In planning
Opening in: 2019

Originally announced back in September 2012, a proposed Paramount-themed park is still being pushed for the Thames Estuary near London. With an estimated price tag of £2 billion, the project faces a considerable number of hurdles before it can become a reality.

Dubbed London Paramount Entertainment Resort, the development is set to include a theme park, a water park, sporting facilities, an “entertainment street” and around 5,000 hotel rooms. Ebbsfleet International station could be linked to the resort via a monorail system.

The latest: The project’s backers, London Resort Company Holdings, have been vocal recently, claiming that construction could get underway in the autumn of 2016 ahead of a summer 2019 opening day.  An informal phase of public consultation has begun, and the company has been granted special government status to bypass local planning rules.

More details are expected to be revealed in October 2014, when the formal stage of the public consultation begins. The project’s leader, Tony Sefton, was quoted as saying “The key message is ‘it’s coming’. It’s happening now.”

12. Adventure Island (Doha, Qatar)

Status: In planning
Opening in: 2017

According to a report on GulfBusiness.com, US firm International Theme Park Services is working on a $300 million indoor theme park as part of the Doha Oasis Mall project. The park is said to cover a mere 7 acres, hosting the world’s first reverse launch roller coaster (dubbed Dragonfire), a Soarin’-style “flying” theatre attraction, a 40 foot tall gorilla and a sky tram.

Premier Rides are said to be behind the groundbreaking Dragonfire, which will incorporates magnetic launches, high-speed switches and multi-directional vehicle movements.

11. Robot Land (Incheon, Korea)

Status: Under construction
Opening in: 2016

Originally due to open in 2013, Robot Land has been beset by delays. Costing a huge $700 million to construct, it will show off the best of South Korea's robotics industry. Famous characters from movies such as The Matrix, I-Robot and Minority Report are set to feature in some of its rides and shows, but the real highlights will be the educational exhibits...including an aquarium housing robot fish, and an arena for boxing robots.

Located about 30 kilometres away from Seoul and just 15 minutes form Incheon airport, Robot Land will sprawl across 387,505 square meters and will also boast a water park.

The latest: The most recent reports suggest a 2016 opening window for Robot Land. Hopes of meeting this date have been boosted by a major investment of nearly $1 billion from Chinese partners, according to the Korea Times.

10. Shahre Ghese (Tehran, Iran)

Status: Under construction
Opening in: 2015

The first ever theme park in Iran is due to open in 2015. Shahre Ghese (Story City) has been designed by Canada's Forrec, and its backers claim that it will include rides supplied by major manufacturers includuing Intamin, Mack Rides and Zamperla - all based in Europe.

We'll admit to being a little skeptical about this one, particularly the potential ride suppliers. We'll have to wait and see whether those behind the project can really pull it off - and can really import the technology required.

The latest: Unsurprisingly given its location, media reports on the construction of Shahre Ghese have been pretty few and far between.

However, recently-posted images (including the one above) do seem to suggest that construction work is well underway, although 2015 looks ambitious for an opening window.

9. Sochi Park (Sochi, Russia)

Status: NOW OPEN!

Sochi Park was due to open in time for the 2014 Winter Olympics, but failed to make that deadline. Some areas did welcome guests during the Games, but the major roller coasters were not among them.

The latest: The remainder of the park finally opened in July 2014, so this will be Sochi Park’s last appearance in this list. Among the headline rides is The Dragon Zmey Gorynych, a 124-feet-tall Mack launch coaster.