Aldar Properties, a leading property developer in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Emaar Entertainment, a leading operator of exceptional and unique leisure and entertainment business of Emaar Properties has signed a partnership deal that will see Yas Mall become the home of Abu Dhabi’s first KidZania, the legendary children's edutainment centre.
 
The new addition will support Yas Mall as a lifestyle destination of choice, providing a unique combination of world-class dining, retail, entertainment and interaction at every level, said a statement from Aldar Properties.

KidZania is a unique attraction that will reinforce Yas Island’s position as a leading entertainment hub, for which Aldar is the master developer.

This new entertainment facility in Yas Mall will complement the exciting mix of attractions that Yas Island offers, including the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Water World, luxury hotels and the recently announced Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi theme park, as well as SeaWorld Abu Dhabi which is expected to open on the island in 2022, it added.

Commenting on the tieup, Jassim Busaibe, the chief asset management officer, Aldar said: "Yas Mall is a flagship location for us, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that the combination of brands, activities and entertainment on offer is world class, sustainable and reflect the high standards we set for the mall."

"Our partnership with Emaar Entertainment to bring the first KidZania to the UAE capital, will provide exciting and unique experiences to all members of the family, whether they are residents or tourists," he noted.  

Maitha Al Dossari, the chief executive officer, Emaar Entertainment, said: "Since the introduction of KidZania at The Dubai Mall, this dedicated children's city has become the must-visit leisure and learning destination for young ones. The opportunity to learn real-life professional skills drives their all-round development and delights families."

"The addition of KidZania at Yas Mall marks our commitment to work with master-developers such as Aldar to deliver our exceptional experiences to benefit children and families across the nation. This underlines the strong credentials that we have set for KidZania in the region and our focus on promoting strategic partnerships that add value for our stakeholders," stated Al Dossari.

KidZania Abu Dhabi joins 20 other locations around the world including Santa Fe, Monterrey, Tokyo, Jakarta, Koshien, Lisbon, Dubai, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Cuicuilco, Santiago, Bangkok, Kuwait City, Mumbai, Cairo, Istanbul, Jeddah, São Paulo, London and Manila.

KidZania offers an ultra-realistic experience, providing children a powerful learning experience by blending reality with entertainment, said the Aldar statement.

Children will also learn the value of independence, decision making skills and the importance of a community- skills they will need to succeed as adults, it stated.

The new 8,200 sqm KidZania complex is scheduled to open in 2018, it added.-TradeArabia News Service