Dubai-based holding company, Meraas, is responding to the region’s rising pre-teen population with the launch of a new 5000m² interactive ‘eduplay’ centre.
Mattel Play! Town, created in association with toy manufacturer, Mattel, will feature much-loved characters including Barneyᵀᴹ, Thomas & Friendsᵀᴹ, Bob the Builderᵀᴹ, Angelina Ballerinaᵀᴹ and Fireman Samᵀᴹ.
‘Eduplay’ is a concept that combines play and educational elements and focusses on stimulating children’s imagination to promote the development of social skills.
Aimed at 2 -10 year olds, attractions within the new venue include Angelina Ballerina’s dance studio, Barney’s cosy house where children can learn songs and try out new crafts, and Knapford Station – a multi-level soft play adventure with Thomas and his friends, created by International Play Company.
Children can also play on life-size versions of Bob the Builder’s fleet of construction buddies – Scoop, Muck, Dizzy and Tiny, as well as having fun learning important safety lessons with Fireman Sam.
Alongside the play facilities, the venue will include several cafes serving nutritious meals and snacks designed to encourage children to develop healthy eating habits. There will also be a retail store offering the latest merchandise from Mattel.
Mattel Play! Town is scheduled to open in Dubai’s CITY WALK in the first quarter of 2016.
The eduplay concept has also attracted interest in the UK, with Mattel Play! Liverpool opening later this month. It will be the first branded attraction of its kind in Europe.
