Latest news with #KidZania
IOL News
22-05-2025
- IOL News
6 Reasons why Dubai is the ultimate winter escape for South African families
While South Africa huddles in the grip of winter and short, grey days, Dubai promises something entirely different: sunshine, adventure, and unforgettable family fun. Just an overnight flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town, Dubai is a blend of glamour and cultural experience, offering families a warm escape during the South African winter. Whether you're looking to relax on warm beaches, explore the magic of desert landscapes, or entertain the kids in world-class theme parks, Dubai ticks every box for an unforgettable winter getaway. Here are six compelling reasons to make Dubai your next family holiday destination: 1. Perfect winter weather Dubai's winter weather is nothing short of glorious, with daytime temperatures averaging a comfortable 25°C. It's the ideal time to explore the city without the intense summer heat – perfect for strolling through souks, lounging on the beach, or venturing out on a desert safari. 2. Theme parks and attractions Dubai is a dream come true for thrill-seeking families. Visit IMG Worlds of Adventure, the largest indoor theme park on the planet, or cool off at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm. For younger children, KidZania at Dubai Mall offers an immersive mini-city where kids can role-play as pilots, chefs, or doctors. 3. Desert adventures Step away from skyscrapers and into the golden sands of the Arabian desert. A desert safari is a must – think dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and henna painting, capped off with a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under a starlit sky. It's a unique cultural experience that the whole family will remember for years to come. 4. Underwater worlds and golden beaches Marvel at the marine life at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where kids can spot sharks, rays, and even penguins in one of the world's largest suspended aquariums. Afterward, head to Jumeirah Beach Residence, where soft sands, turquoise waters, and a bustling beachfront promenade await. It's a paradise for sun-seekers and sandcastle builders alike. 5. Dubai's rich cultural side Beyond the glitz, Dubai's heritage shines through. Wander the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, explore the Dubai Museum housed in a centuries-old fort, or cross Dubai Creek by traditional abra boat to shop the aromatic Spice Souk or glittering Gold Souk. These immersive experiences offer a fascinating look into the city's past and traditions. 6. Family-friendly, hassle-free travel Dubai excels in family-friendly convenience. Many hotels cater specifically to families, with large suites, kids' clubs, splash pools, and even free meals for little ones. The Dubai Pass offers discounted access to major attractions, while efficient public transport and widely available ride-hailing apps make getting around simple and safe. Are you ready to swap winter woollies for beachwear? IOL Travel
Hi Dubai
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Retail Resilience: How Dubai Malls Are Evolving Beyond Shopping
Retail is changing, and fast. Across the world, malls are seeing less footfall, more online competition, and the growing expectation that shopping alone isn't enough to draw people in. But in Dubai, the story looks different. Instead of pulling back, the city's malls are expanding their purpose. They're not simply places to buy things, they're becoming places to spend time. Over the past few years, malls in Dubai have redefined what a retail space can be. They now offer entertainment, art, wellness, food experiences, and community engagement—all under one roof. In doing so, they've remained relevant in a shifting global landscape and positioned themselves as lifestyle hubs that serve both residents and tourists. This article explores how Dubai's malls are evolving beyond shopping, and why their approach to reinvention is helping them lead the way in the future of retail. Malls as Entertainment and Experience Hubs Dubai's malls are designed with more than retail in mind. They've become full-scale entertainment destinations where visitors can spend hours without stepping into a single store. This shift didn't happen overnight—it's the result of strategic planning to make malls more immersive, social, and family-friendly. Take Dubai Mall, for example. Beyond its luxury boutiques and flagship fashion stores, it houses the VR Park, an immersive virtual reality arcade; the Dubai Aquarium; KidZania, an interactive city for children; and Reel Cinemas, offering everything from private screenings to Dolby Cinema experiences. Mall of the Emirates followed a similar path. It's home to Ski Dubai, an indoor snow resort complete with ski slopes, penguins, and winter-themed cafés. The mall also features Dreamscape, a virtual reality adventure zone, and Magic Planet, which combines arcade games with rides and skill-based challenges. Even neighbourhood malls like Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Hills Mall have introduced entertainment zones such as Sky Zone, trampoline parks, indoor zip lines, and mini adventure parks that keep younger visitors engaged while parents shop or dine. This integration of leisure and retail makes malls in Dubai more than shopping centres—they're destinations in their own right. Families, especially during summer, turn to these spaces as alternatives to outdoor play. Tourists visit not only to shop, but to explore, watch a movie, try a new ride, or attend an event. Expanding Food and Wellness Offerings Dining in Dubai's malls is no longer limited to food courts and fast food. Today, malls are curating diverse culinary experiences that go hand in hand with lifestyle and leisure. From gourmet food halls and rooftop cafés to chef-led restaurants and global franchises, food has become a major driver of foot traffic—and often the main reason people visit. At Dubai Mall, visitors can choose between high-end restaurants with Burj Khalifa views, global chains, and local favourites. Time Out Market Dubai at Souk Al Bahar, though technically adjacent, acts as an extension of the mall ecosystem with curated dining by some of the city's top chefs. In Mall of the Emirates, upscale restaurants sit alongside casual concepts, offering something for every mood and price point. But beyond food, malls are increasingly tapping into wellness and personal care. Spaces like Dubai Hills Mall and City Walk integrate spas, medical aesthetics clinics, Pilates studios, and even dedicated wellness lounges into the mall layout. THAT Concept Store, for example, includes a beauty salon, fitness gear, and wellness-focused lifestyle products as part of its retail experience. Some malls are even hosting pop-up wellness workshops, yoga events, and wellness-themed retail activations to engage their community and promote a more holistic experience. As daily routines blend shopping with self-care, malls that offer both in one place are becoming destinations of choice. This move toward lifestyle integration reflects a broader trend—visitors are looking for more meaningful time spent. Whether they're dining with family or booking a skincare treatment, the mall becomes a place not just to consume, but to recharge. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blue Rewards (@bluerewards) As digital convenience continues to reshape consumer expectations, Dubai's malls are responding with smarter, tech-enabled environments that enhance both convenience and engagement. Technology isn't replacing the in-person experience—it's making it more seamless, interactive, and personalised. Across many of the city's malls, visitors now benefit from smart parking systems that guide them to available spots, along with app-based navigation that helps them find specific stores or facilities inside sprawling complexes like Dubai Mall. Some malls, like Dubai Festival City, use AI-powered tools to analyse footfall and optimise layout and services in real time. In-store, augmented reality (AR) and virtual try-on technology are beginning to appear more frequently—especially in fashion and beauty retail. This allows shoppers to experiment with different looks, sizes, or shades without needing a changing room or makeup counter. Stores are also incorporating interactive mirrors, product scanning kiosks, and QR-enabled promotions to make the shopping journey more dynamic. Mall apps have evolved beyond directories. Many now integrate loyalty programs, mobile payments, and real-time event updates, creating a continuous digital link between the mall and the visitor. During sales seasons or special campaigns, push notifications and personalised offers enhance customer engagement both inside and outside the mall. Even entertainment zones are becoming more immersive through tech—VR gaming, motion-based experiences, and digital art installations are all examples of how malls are keeping the environment relevant for a digitally fluent generation. Ultimately, this integration of technology helps malls meet the rising demand for effortless, responsive, and hybrid experiences—where digital tools support, rather than replace, physical visits. Becoming Cultural and Community Spaces Dubai's malls are increasingly stepping beyond their retail role to become places where culture, creativity, and community engagement can take center stage. Whether through seasonal exhibitions, interactive installations, or small-scale events, malls are positioning themselves as social spaces where people gather, even when shopping isn't the main purpose. At The Dubai Mall, visitors regularly encounter pop-up art displays, live music, and brand-led experiences that feel more like cultural events than retail activations. Mall of the Emirates has hosted film screenings, fashion shows, and even short art residencies. Meanwhile, spaces like Galleria Mall Al Barsha and City Walk have embraced local art and design pop-ups that connect emerging UAE-based talent with a broader audience. Malls have also become venues for community-based programming—fitness sessions, parenting workshops, kids' clubs, book launches, and seasonal celebrations like Ramadan nights or winter festivals. These activities are designed not only to attract footfall but to build relationships with the community and create repeat visits for more than retail needs. Some venues, like Dubai Hills Mall, have introduced flexible event spaces where local creators, wellness experts, or small businesses can host workshops or demos. This shift reflects a growing understanding: in today's retail landscape, emotional connection matters just as much as product availability. By turning shopping centres into platforms for expression, creativity, and interaction, Dubai's malls are creating environments where people come to participate—not just purchase. The Role of Luxury and Concept Retail Luxury continues to be a cornerstone of Dubai's retail identity—but even this segment is evolving. Today's high-end shoppers aren't only looking for prestige; they expect exclusivity, personalisation, and a curated experience that reflects their lifestyle. Dubai's malls have responded by creating luxury zones that blend retail with art, design, and elevated service. At The Dubai Mall, the Fashion Avenue extension is dedicated entirely to premium brands, offering VIP concierge services, private shopping lounges, and direct hotel access. Shoppers are encouraged to explore at a slower pace, with many boutiques offering personal stylists, tailoring services, and in-store cafés. It's less about browsing, more about experiencing the brand. Alongside traditional luxury, Dubai is seeing a rise in concept stores—retail spaces that combine fashion, wellness, home goods, and culture under one roof. THAT Concept Store in Mall of the Emirates is a leading example, blending international and regional designers with beauty services, fitness gear, and rotating lifestyle activations. These stores offer more than products—they sell a point of view. Other concept-led spaces like LE66, The Edit, and even Galeries Lafayette have redefined what a department store can look like, integrating pop-ups, capsule collections, and immersive brand storytelling. For Gen Z and millennial shoppers in particular, this style of retail feels fresher and more in tune with personal identity than the traditional storefront approach. Together, luxury and concept retail help Dubai's malls maintain their position as global shopping destinations—while also adapting to a new generation of experience-led, value-conscious, and design-savvy consumers. Dubai's malls are no longer built around the idea of shopping alone. They've evolved into spaces where entertainment, dining, wellness, technology, and community all come together—creating an environment that feels more like a lifestyle hub than a commercial centre. From VR adventures to wellness clinics, concept stores to cultural events, Dubai's malls are becoming places to stay, not just stop by. And that's what makes them resilient. In a retail world that's still adjusting to the digital age, Dubai's approach shows what's possible when space is reimagined with people, not products, at the center. Also Read: Dubai's Luxury Industry Is Changing — And Gen Z Is Behind It Discover how Dubai's luxury industry is evolving to meet Gen Z's values, from digital experiences and sustainability to personalised and purpose-led design. The Future of Retail Is Here: How Dubai is Leading the E-Commerce Charge From world-class logistics and futuristic payment solutions to immersive shopping experiences, the city has positioned itself as a global hub for e-commerce and retail innovation. Take a closer look at the factors driving this transformation and how Dubai is redefining the future of retail. Do We Have Too Many Choices? The Paralysis of Decision-Making in a City of Abundance Dubai's on-demand lifestyle has made everything instantly accessible—but is too much convenience making us overly dependent? Explore the impact of Dubai's hyper-efficient services on modern life. Shop till you drop! Explore the best shopping malls in Dubai Dubai is known for its luxurious way of living, and it is truly any shopaholic's dream with dozens of gigantic malls filled with any type of store you can imagine! There are even insane sales and deals every few months, most famously the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
U by Emaar unlocks enhanced benefits across entertainment, attractions, and cultural destinations
Members enjoy up to 20% savings on top experiences including At The Top - Burj Khalifa, KidZania Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Play DXB, Reel Cinemas, Sky Views Observatory, Storm Coaster, Adventure Park, Arabic Music Institute, and more. Tiered benefits are now available across Black, Silver, Gold, and Platinum membership levels. The initiative reinforces U by Emaar's commitment to delivering exceptional everyday value and extraordinary experiences. Dubai, UAE – U by Emaar, the premier lifestyle loyalty programme by Emaar, has elevated the member experience with an expanded portfolio of benefits across some of the region's most iconic attractions and entertainment venues. From thrilling adventures to cultural immersion and family fun, members can now unlock up to 20% savings based on their tier across a curated list of destinations. Tiered Benefits Across the U by Emaar Experience Pillars SKY-HIGH ADVENTURES At The Top, Burj Khalifa: Enjoy a bird's eye view of Dubai with up to 20% off on all ticket types, including Level 124/125, Level 148, and The VIP Lounge. Sky Views Observatory: Enjoy breathtaking city views and adrenaline-pumping activities like the Edge Walk, with savings on general admission and bundled café and retail experiences. The Storm Coaster: Save on single, double, and triple ride tickets. FAMILY & EDUTAINMENT KidZania (Dubai & Abu Dhabi): Inspire creativity and learning with tier-based savings on all admission types—from toddlers to adults. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Dive into marine discovery with up to 20% off basic passes. Play DXB: Enjoy thrilling VR adventures with up to 20% off reloadable credits. MUSIC, THEATRE & CINEMA Reel Cinemas (UAE & KSA): Indulge in the magic of movies with up to 20% off across all formats, including Standard, Dolby Plus, Premier, and Platinum Suite tickets, as well as F&B from the total bill. Dubai Opera – Exclusive Mystery Rates: Dubai Opera, the region's premier destination for performing arts, offers an extraordinary lineup of shows throughout the year. Members will now enjoy exclusive access to mystery rates on select performances, shared only via a dedicated, members-only email, ensuring an elevated and exclusive experience. Arabic Music Institute: Up to 20% off on children's courses, individual lessons, and professional studio recording sessions. Adventure & Sports: Adventure Park: Access elevated experiences with savings on all ticket products excluding entry-level passes. Dubai Ice Rink: Glide into savings on general admission during off-peak hours. These offers are automatically available to all U by Emaar members based on their tier: Black (5%), Silver (10%), Gold (15%), and Platinum (20%), across the participating venues. 'We're excited to elevate the U by Emaar experience with more rewarding benefits across some of the region's most iconic destinations,' said a spokesperson from Emaar Entertainment Group. 'These tiered savings reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value, while creating meaningful moments that connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression on our loyalty members." To enjoy these benefits, simply present your U by Emaar membership at participating venues. About U by Emaar: U by Emaar is a leading lifestyle loyalty programme that rewards members across hospitality, entertainment, attractions, dining, retail, wellness, and fitness. With seamless earning and redemption of Upoints, and exclusive access to elevated benefits, the programme turns everyday spending into extraordinary experiences. For more information, visit or download the U by Emaar app.
CairoScene
28-02-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
EFG Hermes & KidZania Launch First Kids' Stock Trading Experience
This collaboration gives kids a chance to learn all about the wonders of capitalism within a simulated stock market. Feb 28, 2025 EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and investment bank, announced a partnership with KidZania Cairo to introduce the first-ever stock trading experience for children. This initiative is designed to boost financial literacy among kids aged eight to 14 through an interactive stock market simulation. The new collaboration features a custom-designed stock market simulator using a simplified version of the EFG Hermes ONE trading app, adapted for younger users. Children will use KidZania's own currency, KidZos, to trade stocks, with each participant starting with 15 KidZos. The experience allows kids to build stock portfolios and learn how to manage investments in a realistic, playful environment. 'We're excited to offer this groundbreaking educational opportunity. Early exposure to financial concepts will empower children to make better life decisions as adults,' said Ahmed Ibrahim Habib, CEO of KidZania Cairo. 'Through this partnership, we're helping them understand how investing can shape their future.' The stock market simulation takes place at a dedicated EFG Hermes branch within KidZania Cairo. It will feature 45 real companies, with share prices adjusted based on the daily activity within KidZania's simulated city. By participating in this interactive experience, children will make investment decisions based on the performance of businesses within the park. The KidZos earned from their investments can then be spent on toys or activities offered at KidZania. KidZania Cairo, part of a global network of interactive cities for children, has welcomed over 2.5 million visitors, offering children the chance to experience real-world careers through role-play activities. Since its opening in 2013, it has become a key destination for children to learn about the real world through role-play and simulated work environments.
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EFG Hermes partners with KidZania Cairo to introduce first-ever stock trading experience for Children, enhancing financial literacy through interactive edutainment
Cairo, EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced a groundbreaking partnership with KidZania in Cairo to introduce the first-ever stock trading experience for children. This collaboration aims to enhance financial literacy among the younger generation through interactive, engaging, and hands-on learning opportunities. This innovative initiative is designed to impart financial literacy to children aged 8 to 14 through an immersive and interactive stock market simulation. As part of this collaboration, EFG Hermes has created a custom-designed stock market simulation to engage children. The simulation utilizes a simplified version of the EFG Hermes ONE trading app tailored for young users. With this app, children can trade stocks using KidZania's own currency, KidZos. Each participant will begin with 15 KidZos, KidZania Cairo's simulated currency, and have the chance to build their own stock trading portfolios. This exciting experience offers young visitors to KidZania in Cairo a unique opportunity to learn how to invest and make their money work for them through stock trading in a realistic, simulated environment. By engaging in hands-on activities and interactive edutainment, children will gain valuable insights into finance and investing, equipping them with essential financial knowledge from an early age. The trading activities will occur at the new EFG Hermes branch within KidZania Cairo. This mock stock market experience will feature 45 real companies, with their share prices reflecting the daily traffic and demand generated by children visiting these establishments. This setup allows kids to evaluate investment opportunities based on the performance of these businesses, experiencing regular gains and losses tied to each establishment's growth. Children can then use the KidZos earned from their investments to purchase gifts from the gift shop or participate in a variety of other experiences offered by KidZania. May El Gammal, Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of EFG Holding, said, 'At EFG Holding, we are dedicated to being pioneers in promoting financial literacy and education. By partnering with KidZania in Cairo to launch the first-ever stock trading experience for children through EFG Hermes, we are taking a meaningful step toward empowering the next generation with essential financial knowledge in an engaging and interactive manner. Educating children about money, how to manage it, and making it work for them from a young age is crucial for cultivating a new generation that is informed and empowered. As the leading financial institution in the region, we continually strive to introduce initiatives that are not only innovative but also beneficial for society. This initiative represents our commitment to investing in the future, one young trader at a time. Over the past decade, KidZania Cairo has left a mark on over 2.5 million customers. This simulation-based educational city provides children with the opportunity to experience adult life by working within establishments modeled after real offices, stores, factories, and more. KidZania Cairo aims to help the future generation understand how real-life companies and industries operate, guiding them towards discovering their aspirations. Ahmed Ibrahim Habib, Chief Executive Officer of KidZania Cairo, also commented on the partnership saying, 'We would like to thank EFG Hermes for their commitment to the financial education of the future generations of Egypt. As adults, many of us wish that there were certain things taught at schools that prepared us with the knowledge needed to succeed in life. Financial knowledge is one of them, as it serves as an essential tool for adults to make better living decisions. Through the partnership between EFG Hermes and KidZania Cairo, we are addressing this gap by providing children with early exposure to fundamental financial concepts in a fun and interactive setting. At KidZania, it is imperative to educate Kids and their Parents on the importance of early investment in capital markets. We believe that investing a steady monthly amount into the market from an early age will easily cover future expenses associated with college tuition or marriage requirements. Through this partnership, we hope to help kids and their parents plan for a better future for our precious future generations'. Mohamed Fathy, Chief Information Officer, EFG Holding, shares, 'This project has been incredibly exciting for us as we developed a brand-new tech-based stock market simulator specifically for children. Every step of the way has been enjoyable as we worked to create a platform that resonates with kids, engaging them while ensuring it remains tech-savvy. At EFG Hermes, our tech department is committed to fostering empowerment through tools and platforms that are simple, smart, and convenient, providing financial access to everyone. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, it's thrilling to enable children to understand and experience the stock market from such an early age.' About EFG Holding EFG Holding (EGX: – LSE: EFGD) is a financial institution that boasts a remarkable 40-year legacy of success in seven countries spanning two continents. Operating within three distinct verticals — the Investment Bank (EFG Hermes), Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI) (EFG Finance), and Commercial Bank (Bank NXT) — the company provides a comprehensive range of groundbreaking financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, including individual clients and businesses of all sizes. EFG Hermes, the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), offers extensive financial services, encompassing advisory, asset management, securities brokerage, research, and private equity. In its domestic market, EFG Holding serves as a universal bank, with EFG Finance emerging as the fastest-growing NBFI platform, comprising Tanmeyah, a microfinance player, EFG Corp-Solutions, which provides leasing and factoring services, Valu, a universal financial technology powerhouse, PayTabs Egypt, a digital payment platform, Bedaya for mortgage finance, Kaf for insurance, Fatura, a technology-backed B2B marketplace and EFG Finance SMEs which provides financial services for small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, the company delivers commercial banking solutions through Bank NXT, an integrated retail and corporate banking product provider in Egypt. About KidZania Cairo KidZania Cairo is an interactive city for children aged 4-14 that combines inspiration, fun, and learning through realistic role-play. It is one of the fastest-growing global learning and entertainment brands. Located in Cairo Festival City with over 30 local & multi-national partner brands, Kids can independently explore a scaled indoor city with more than 80 exciting careers that they can try. With 30 locations globally. KidZania Cairo is the 15th opened branch with a total space of 8,500 sqm2 and has been operating since 2013.
