Dubai, UAE; November 26, 2011: Emaar Retail LLC, the premium provider of leisure and retail experiences, is marking the 40th UAE National Day with a roster of innovative activities that mark the four pillars of ‘The Spirit of the Union,’ the theme of this year’s celebrations.

All the five key leisure destinations of Emaar Retail – Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; KidZania®, Dubai Ice Rink, Reel Cinemas and SEGA Republic – are hosting varied and colourful activities aimed at promoting the spirit of solidarity and unity that mark the National Day celebrations. These leisure destinations will also be adorned with UAE national flags and huge drapes in addition to special themed activities.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC, said: “The 40th UAE National Day celebrations this year pay rich tribute to the UAE’s heritage as well as the commendable progress achieved under its leadership.

“The celebrations also mark the cosmopolitan community living in the country, a testament to the welcoming hospitality and open door policy of the nation to create an environment of growth for people from all over the world.

“This ‘Spirit of the Union’ prevails through the various activities at the leisure attractions of Emaar Retail. Through the activities we are further highlighting the achievements of the nation to visitors from all over the world.”

Flagging off Emaar Retail’s celebrations, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a must-visit tourist attraction in The Dubai Mall, will unfurl the UAE national flag - one of the largest ever in an aquarium environment on Sunday, Nov. 27. The flag will be displayed through Dec. 2, the UAE National Day.

To highlight the impressive achievements in environmental conservation, a passion of late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation, Dubai Aquarium will host a total of 40 divers from Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Al Boom Diving and Emirates Diving Association (EDA) to unveil a banner in the aquarium applauding UAE’s eco-conservation efforts. The banner will be unveiled on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 7 to 9pm.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo will host an assortment of activities including henna painting, face painting, falcon display and a traditional Majlis from Dec. 1 to 3, in additional to traditional sweet distribution to visitors.

The region’s first of its kind children’s edutainment centre, KidZania® will celebrate the Spirit of the Union through activities for the little ones from Nov. 27 to Dec. 4 reflecting the four pillars of the celebratory theme. Apart from being decorated with the national flag colours and the various establishments hosting UAE-themed activities such as talk shows and reporting on the UAE, KidZania® will host a jigsaw puzzle game. In another key activity that highlights the history of the nation, children can participate in a game where they are to arrange old photographs of each of the seven Emirates.

To celebrate ‘The Spirit of the Union’s’ third pillar of ‘cosmopolitan community,’ children visiting KidZania® can engage in a specially planned leisure-cum-learning activity whereby they have to match the salutary greeting in different parts of the world against the respective nation.

Finally, to mark the emphasis of the celebration this year on the future of the nation, young KidZanians can write a letter or draw an idea to the nation’s leaders with one new idea that benefits the country. The letter must be dropped in the special ‘Future of UAE’ box, and will be presented in a KidZania®-branded book.

KidZania® will also host special Emirati-themed fashion shows. Young visitors can also write a poem or song using the words ‘Dubai,’ ‘40’ and ‘Spirit of the Union,’ and perform them at the Talent Show.

Children will get a sticker ‘I waz there for UAE’s 40th National Day celebrations in KidZania®’ and every child visiting the destination on Dec. 2 will get an additional 40 KidZos, the currency of KidZania®. The UAE national flag will be hoisted at the Main Plaza of KidZania®, accompanied by Al Youla dance performances. In addition to these special activities, various activity establishments will also take part in the the UAE National Day celebrations.

Dubai Ice Rink, the Olympic sized ice-rink; and SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park – both in The Dubai Mall – will host an array of UAE National Day themed activities. At Dubai Ice Rink, a large UAE National Flag will be unfurled and miniflags will be distributed to all visitors.

SEGA Republic will set up a ‘Celebration Wall’ where visitors can pin up flags of their nations or design and decorate their own flags, marking the cosmopolitan community living in harmony in the UAE. Other activities include a traditional majlis, henna painting and sweet distribution.

Reel Cinemas, managed by Emaar Retail, will wear a festive look during the UAE National Day celebrations. Children who come dressed up in the national dress or in the colours of the flag will receive special National Day gifts. Social media enthusiasts can post photographs of old Dubai on Reel Cinemas Facebook page, write about what they like about Dubai and what they miss about the city from the past

• One-year contract will offer an array of benefits for NBAD cardholders
• Underlines strong institutional partnerships fostered by Emaar Retail’s leisure attractions

Dubai, UAE; November 19, 2011: Emaar Retail LLC, the provider of premium leisure and entertainment attractions, has signed an agreement with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi whereby the leading financial institution will serve as the ‘Grand Partner’ of SEGA Republic, the first and largest of its kind indoor theme park in the Middle East, located in The Dubai Mall.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail LLC, and Mr Suvo Sarkar, General Manager of Consumer & Elite Banking of National Bank of Abu Dhabi, signed the agreement at SEGA Republic.

As per the agreement, National Bank of Abu Dhabi cardholders stand to gain an array of benefits at SEGA Republic, one of the most popular theme parks in the region managed by Emaar Retail, for one year, starting from September 1, 2011.

For every purchase of a Power Pass, the entry ticket to SEGA Republic, using a National Bank of Abu Dhabi card, the cardholder will be entitled to another Power Pass entirely free. Each Power Pass facilitates unlimited access to nine thrilling attractions at SEGA Republic, all through the day. On spending AED 200 with their card, the cardholders will also receive AED 100 free credit on the spot.

Mr Amiri said: “The agreement with National Bank of Abu Dhabi underlines the increasing popularity of Emaar Retail’s leisure attractions as preferred marketing partners for leading corporates and financial institutions. By ensuring maximum eye-balls, the leisure attractions of Emaar Retail ensure that our partners can reach out to a wide audience, covering the entire spectrum of the society. SEGA Republic is a preferred destination for both young and old, and our partnership will be a great value addition for the bank’s customers.”

Mr Sarkar said: “The National Bank of Abu Dhabi’s cards stand out in the market place because of the many benefits and privileges offered to cardholders. On top of NBAD Stars Loyalty programme, purchase protection, road side assistance, and travel insurance, NBAD also continuously finds other ways to enhance benefits to cardholders. Partnering with a great and popular entertainment provider like SEGA delivers real value for esteemed NBAD cardholders and helps to differentiate NBAD cards from others.”

Developed by Emaar Retail LLC in partnership with SEGA Corporation, Japan’s leading indoor theme park developer, SEGA Republic sprawls over 76,000 sq ft, across two levels of The Dubai Mall. It offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to discover the worlds they wish to explore through a variety of themed zones – Adventure Zone, Speed Zone, Cyberpop Zone and Sports Zone – together offering nine thrilling rides and over 250 amusement games - and a Redemption Zone.
From virtual reality and arcade games to simulation activities and physical sports games, SEGA Republic will thrill all visitors. Access to the indoor attraction is easy with dedicated parking facility offered. SEGA Republic is open from 10am to 11pm on weekdays and from 10am to 1am on weekends (Thursday to Saturday).

Emaar Retail’s leisure attractions include KidZania®, a unique children’s edutainment centre – founded in Mexico - which has made its debut in the Middle East at The Dubai Mall; Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, with over 33,000 aquatic animals; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas – all in The Dubai Mall. The company also owns and operates the six-screen premier boutique Reel Cinemas Cineplex at Dubai Marina Mall.

• Positions The Dubai Mall as definitive summer destination for family fun and children’s edutainment
• Aquarist Programme at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Four themed summer camps at KidZania® and ‘Summer on Ice’ programme at Dubai Ice Rink
• Fun filled activities at SEGA Republic, Reel Cinemas
• Summer camps to be held from July to September 2010

Dubai, UAE; June 14, 2010: A season of fun, nurturing of new skills and unprecedented adventure awaits the little ones this summer at The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination.

Emaar Retail, the entertainment and retail subsidiary of Emaar Malls Group, is introducing a refreshing The Dubai Mall Summer Camp this year, to be held from July 4 to September 9, with a range of activities for the young ones at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania®, Reel Cinemas and SEGA Republic.

Among the highlights this summer is a joint The Dubai Mall Summer Camp for all five leisure and entertainment components from 9am – 3pm. The five-day programme will take the kids on a journey to KidZania® on day one; watching a movie at Reel Cinemas and ice skating at Dubai Ice Rink on day two; experiencing aquatic life at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo on day three; enjoying thrilling games and rides at SEGA Republic on day four; and again to KidZania® on the fifth day.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC, said: “The Dubai Mall Summer Camp is the first of its kind programme that brings together all the leisure attractions in the mall to provide a holistic environment for fun and learning. It highlights our commitment to delivering new initiatives that meet the requirements of the community. With this step, we are offering the young generation a rare opportunity to gain insights into the natural environment and enhance their mental and physical growth.”

In addition to the week-long integrated The Dubai Mall Summer Camp offered, parents also have the option of enrolling their children for any of the individual summer camps at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink and KidZania®.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers the Aquarist Programme that promises ‘big adventures for little ones’. Children are offered the opportunity to gain a fascinating glimpse of behind-the-scenes action as an Aquarist, and discover the marvels of the marine world. The Aquarist Programme comes in two fun-packed experiences: As Junior Aquarist, open for children aged 5 to 7 years old and priced AED 150 per child, the little ones will be provided a behind-the-scenes tour of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. They can meet a professional Aquarist, watch a shark feeding session, assist in feeding the aquatic animals and ride on a glass bottom boat.

The Senior Aquarist experience, priced AED 250 per child, is for children aged 8 years and above. It includes a cage snorkeling experience for closer encounters with over 33,000 aquatic animals in the aquarium, and all activities in the Junior Aquarist programme. For reservations, please call 04-448 5200 or email enquiries@thedubaiaquarium.com

At the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink, the Summer On Ice programmes launched last year to great success, will be offered this year as well. Children can enroll for a week-long Learn-to-Skate Programme for AED 750 and enjoy a month of skating for free. An Intensive Ice Skating Camp is also being offered where children can master the ice with five levels of ice skating for AED 500 per level. Enrol for all levels at AED 1,750 and save AED 750. For details, call 04-448 5111 or email info@dubaiicerink.com

KidZania®, the first of its kind edutainment centre in the region offering professional role-play experiences for visitors, has four fun-filled camps, each lasting five days, this summer – all for children aged 6 to 16 years.

At the Media Camp Programme, the little ones can work in four establishments. At the ‘Radio Station,’ a professional DJ will train the kids on radio jockeying; at the ‘Photo Lab,’ they can learn about professional photography and practice the art; at the ‘Newspaper,’ they can work as reporters and publish a real newspaper and on the last two days, they can work at the ‘Television Station,’ and work on producing a film. On the final day, the parents of the children can watch the television production.

The Safety Services Programme covers the Police Station, Fire Station, Electricity & Water Authority and Hospital in KidZania®. In addition to being trained by a Dubai Police officer, they can attend a training camp on fire-fighting organised by NAFFCO, work with DEWA officials, and learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a Jane Doe doll and how to use an automated external defibrillator as part of paramedic training. The parents can attend a session on the closing day, where the children will demonstrate the techniques in saving a life in danger.

At the Fashion Camp programme, participants can work in a Jewellery Store and make bracelets; and at a Beauty Salon, where a professional will offer a session on hair dressing and a make-up artist will provide handy tips. They can also learn to design their own clothes at the Painting School and learn how to strut the catwalk at the Fashion Boutique. On the final day, parents can watch their little ones perform a fashion show.

The Junior Art Society Camp is for those with an affinity for the fine arts. They will train at the Theatre on the production of ‘Grease’ over five days, and perform it live before their parents. For details call 04-448 5222.

The Dubai Mall also has added leisure and entertainment attractions for children. They can head to SEGA Republic, the Middle East’s largest and first of its kind indoor theme park for several adrenaline-pumping rides and amusement games. The 22-screen Reel Cinemas will play the latest summer blockbusters adding to the fun quotient.

• His Excellency Al Suwaidi of Ministry of Education signs agreement with Emaar Chairman Mr Alabbar

Dubai, UAE; June 2, 2010: The UAE Ministry of Education has signed an agreement with Emaar Retail approving visits by students from public and private schools and other educational institutions in the country to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania®, two popular leisure and edutainment destinations in The Dubai Mall. This partnership with the Ministry of Education officially sanctions student visits as part of the educational programme.

In the presence of His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education, the agreement was signed by His Excellency Ali Maihad Al Suwaidi, Director General at Ministry of Education and Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties.

The ceremony was also attended by Shaikha Al Shamsi, Director of the Licensure and Accreditation Department at Ministry of Education; Mr. Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail; and Wafa Alabbar, Director of Student School Activities Department at Ministry of Education.

His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami said the agreement demonstrates the commitment of the Ministry of Education to strengthen its relationship with its strategic partners to promote the development of education and adding non-traditional student activities. “This is the beginning of an important cooperation with a pioneering company, Emaar. This agreement is of interest to the Ministry of Education to advance student activities, broaden their knowledge and develop the skills and talents. It will help create an environment where they discover new learning experiences by themselves as well as boost their confidence.”

His Excellency Ali Maihad Al Suwaidi said: “Emaar Retail will achieve these goals by introducing special reduced prices, and offering a specified number of complimentary access to special needs students and supervisors of student group visits. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo will host awareness workshops for 20 teachers from each of the educational zones, while KidZania® will provide educational brochures to the students.”

“Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® are unique learning environments that our educational institutions cannot offer currently. Through our agreement with Emaar Retail approving the student visits, we are further strengthening public private partnerships in education to enhance the knowledge base of our student community,” Al Suwaidi added.

The proposal by Emaar Retail for approving student visits was accepted following an in-depth evaluation of the educational attributes of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® by a team comprising educationalists and parents. In all, 19 parameters were evaluated to assess the benefits of the visits for students in enhancing their academic performance.

Mr Alabbar said: “We thank the Ministry of Education for partnering with us in this powerful educational initiative, which will provide the student community of the UAE a significant value addition to their learning experience. Student visits to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® now have official approval, and can be integrated as part of their academic programme.”

He added: “While Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with its 33,000 aquatic animals provides a new learning opportunity on nature and sustainability, KidZania® will help students understand the functioning of real-life cities by individually undertaking more than 70 different professions. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania® are unparalleled edutainment options for students in the region.”

Emaar Retail, which manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and other leisure attractions in The Dubai Mall, has already launched The Ocean School Education Programme for students in the region aimed at enhancing awareness in marine conservation measures to students and teachers.

The educational initiative has been well-received by more than 215 schools, attracting over 25,000 students since its launch in 2009. The programme is based on the three principles of ‘Think, Do and Find,’ and offers participants unique insights into the marine world.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Education highlights our commitment to student community outreach by offering a rich educational experience in a fun environment. This is also a reiteration of the immense educational value of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania®. Through these edutainment attractions, we are providing the student community with valuable insights about nature & bio-diversity as well as the dynamics of businesses and various professions. We are honoured to play a key role in honing the outlook of students, who are the future of our country.”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world and has Sand Tiger Sharks, Rays and Giant Groupers, among other species. It features the largest acrylic viewing panel, which has won the Guinness World Record, and a walk-through tunnel for closer encounters with the aquatic animals.

The Underwater Zoo presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humbolt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Giant Octopus, Water Rats, Giant Catfish and Dart Frogs.

KidZania®, the award-winning edutainment concept promoting the physical and intellectual growth of children through professional role-plays, sprawls over 80,000 sq ft in two levels of the mall.

KidZania® is a veritable city with an assortment of establishments covering the entire fabric of a working economy – from banks to hospitals, universities to salons, television stations to music lounges, and aircrafts to supermarkets. Children are provided uniforms that reflect the nature of the profession in each establishment, and undertake real-life tasks.

The Dubai Mall also features SEGA Republic, the Middle East’s first and largest of its kind indoor theme park; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas, UAE’s largest megaplex.

• Creates jobs through diverse portfolio of entertainment attractions
• Partnerships with global organisations across Mexico, Japan, Italy, Singapore and Australia
• Welcomes more than 3 million visitors since opening of entertainment precinct

Dubai, UAE; May 15, 2010: Emaar Retail, the entertainment and retail subsidiary of Emaar, has established a global imprint in the entertainment industry in less than a year, through key partnerships spanning the world, from Mexico to Singapore and Italy to Japan.

Bringing an unmatched portfolio of pioneering entertainment attractions to the Middle East region, Emaar Retail will make strategic expansions globally in line with the geographic growth of Emaar Properties, to build self-contained lifestyle environments.

Headlining Emaar Retail’s achievements in the past one year, the company created several hundred new jobs in the entertainment sector. This was led by the opening of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, SEGA Republic, KidZania® and Reel Cinemas, all based at The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping centre. The opening of these world-class leisure attractions is also marked by partnerships with market-leading organisations.

The entertainment precinct welcomed more than 3 million visitors to its various attractions since their opening in phases, setting an industry milestone in visitor turnout.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “In less than one year, Emaar Retail has successfully built an impressive track record in the region’s leisure and entertainment sector. This was led through global and regional partnerships, which complement the innovative concepts that the company has brought to the Middle East.”

He added: “Our partnerships will further power Emaar Retail’s growth story as we explore new opportunities in the entertainment and retail sector across the geographic footprint of Emaar in the Middle East & North Africa region and other growth markets,. Emaar Retail has also served as a driver for the domestic economy by creating several hundred new jobs and supporting tourism and retail – two of the vital sectors that contribute significantly to the GDP.”

Emaar Retail joined hands with Oceanis Australia Group, specialists in developing and operating aquariums around the world, to develop the largest suspended aquarium in the world, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Partnering with SEGA Corporation, Japan’s leading indoor theme park developer, Emaar Retail opened the Middle East’s first and largest of its kind SEGA indoor theme park, the 76,000 square foot SEGA Republic.

Emaar Retail recently opened KidZania® Dubai, an award-winning children’s ‘edutainment’ concept from Mexico, where the company also created history with the largest of its corporate partnerships in the region. Emaar Retail has joined hands with over 30 global leading brands including Emirates Airline. These organizations - market leaders and pioneers in their sector - offer real-world environments in the 80,000 square foot attraction where children participate in over 70 professional role-play experiences.

The 22-screen Reel Cinemas is the UAE’s largest megaplex developed by Emaar Retail with Singapore-based Cathay Organisation Holdings Ltd. The cinema brings the Hollywood Chic concept of design to the region, in addition to introducing The Picturehouse, a dedicated cinema for arthouse movies. Reel Cinemas is also due to open its 6-screen cineplex at Dubai Marina Mall later this year.

Another attraction at The Dubai Mall, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink employs state-of-the-art technologies and serves as a model for indoor ice rink developments.

In a significant milestone, Emaar Retail also partnered with Giorgio Armani S.p.A to open the flagship store of Armani/Casa in The Dubai Mall, the first of many to open in the region. The Armani/Casa store offers a full collection of furniture, accessories, fabrics, ornaments and lighting as well as modular bathroom arrangements and kitchen systems – all personally designed by Mr Giorgio Armani, the fashion legend.

“These tie-ups are strategic investments for the future, and will benchmark Emaar Retail as the premier partner of choice for entertainment providers – across films, indoor leisure and luxury retail,” added Mr Amiri.

• Spend AED 100 and register to enter a draw to win prizes

Dubai, UAE; May 2, 2010: Have the fun of your life at SEGA Republic Dubai, the largest and most exhilarating indoor theme park of its kind in the region located in The Dubai Mall, and get ready to win a trip for two to experience the ultimate adrenaline-charged SEGA experience at Tokyo Joypolis.

SEGA Republic Dubai launched its month-long bonanza for visitors in collaboration with SEGA Japan by offering a host of prizes including the mega-prize of a trip for two to Tokyo Joypolis plus stay and a cash bonus of AED 10,000 redeemable at SEGA Republic Dubai.

From April 26 to May 26, 2010, visitors to SEGA Republic Dubai only have to spend AED 100 or more on a game or leisure attraction of their choice and register for a chance to win several prizes.

Every 5,000th visitor will be in for a surprise cash bonus of AED 2,000 to spend at SEGA Republic; and every 100th visitor who spends AED 100 or more could see their cash purchase double daily on the card purchased on the same day.

Visitors can register at several self-service kiosks within SEGA Republic for the promotion. Those spending in multiples of 100 are eligible for multiple entries for the grand prize.

Mr Joe Gibbons, General Manager, SEGA Republic, said the promotion is the largest of its kind ever held at SEGA Republic. “Ever since our opening, the response to the games and rides has been phenomenal. The visitor profile cuts through age-groups, and we have a steady visitor flow of families and corporate teams enjoying the thrilling rides and amusement games at SEGA Republic.”

He added: “Tokyo Joypolis is the ultimate leisure destination for game-enthusiasts, and we are now offering an opportunity for one winner and a friend to have an adrenaline-fuelled trip to Japan by simply spending AED 100 or more and registering at SEGA Republic Dubai. This is also a testament to the strong partnerships we share with SEGA Japan in continuously bringing in new leisure experiences to Dubai.”

The 76,000 sq ft indoor family theme park at The Dubai Mall is designed by experts at SEGA® Corporation, the world leader in indoor entertainment.

SEGA Republic features five zones – Speed, Sports, Adventure, Cyberpop and Redemption - offering an array of everything from action packed motion-simulators to simulated sports games, classic carnival games and one of the region’s largest selections of prize-winning redemption games.

There are more than 200 amusement games that will appeal to all. In addition to SPIN GEAR, other adrenaline-pumping attractions include SONIC HOPPER, LET’S GO JUNGLE! SPECIAL, HALFPIPE CANYON, WILD JUNGLE, STORM-G, WILD JUNGLE, OUTRUN 2 SPECIAL TOURS SDX and INITIAL D4 LIMITED.

The theme park operates from 10am to 11pm Sunday to Wednesday and from 10am to 1am Thursday to Saturday.

Other leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall include KidZania®, an edutainment centre for children offering 70 role-play opportunities; the 22-screen Reel Cinemas; Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink.

• Among the most popular attractions at the indoor theme park in The Dubai Mall

SPIN GEAR at SEGA Republic

Dubai, UAE; March 2, 2010: The popular SPIN GEAR roller-coaster ride at SEGA Republic, the first of its kind indoor theme park in the region located on Level 2 of The Dubai Mall, has completed an astounding 30,000 kilometres in just five months!

Among the most popular attractions at SEGA Republic, SPIN GEAR occupies nearly 20% of the total area of the theme park. With a total track length of 363 metres, SPIN GEAR travels up and down over 50 metres and twists and turns a minimum of 2,790 degrees, assuring an unmatched adventurous journey for guests.

Mr Joe Gibbons, General Manager, Emaar Retail, which manages SEGA Republic, said the sense of adventure and fun offered by SPIN GEAR is unparalleled in the region, making it one of the most popular attractions among visitors.

“The popularity of SPIN GEAR is reflected in the distance covered by the roller coaster ride in a short span of five months. Emaar Retail will introduce a series of gift ideas linked to SPIN GEAR to further encourage the adventurous,” he added.

Unlike the usual roller coasters, SPIN GEAR comes with a themed story that adds to the interest of participants. The themed ride is based on story of the evil plans of Dr. Eggman, who is Sonic the Hedgehog’s arch nemesis.

Dr. Eggman has taken over an old factory facility and has developed a prototype weapon, SPIN GEAR, for capturing Sonic the Hedgehog. Now all he needs are ‘test subjects’ and there is only way to escape his evil plans - on a rollercoaster ride that will have everyone’s head spinning.

The ride features spinning Sonic Gondolas and operates in both day and night environments. With a track width of 25 metres and depth of 56 metres, SPIN GEAR operates at two lift speeds – 2.5 metres per second and 2.3 metres per second – and has the fastest speed of 45 km per hour.

The 76,000 sq ft indoor family theme park at The Dubai Mall is designed by experts at SEGA® Corporation, the world leader in indoor entertainment. SEGA Republic features five zones – Speed, Sports, Adventure, Cyberpop and Redemption - offering an array of everything from action packed motion-simulators to simulated sports games, classic carnival games and one of the region’s largest selections of prize-winning redemption games. There are more than 200 amusement games that will appeal to all. In addition to SPIN GEAR, other adrenaline-pumping attractions include SONIC HOPPER, LET’S GO JUNGLE! SPECIAL, HALFPIPE CANYON, WILD JUNGLE, STORM-G, WILD JUNGLE, OUTRUN 2 SPECIAL TOURS SDX and INITIAL D4 LIMITED.

The theme park operates from 10am to 11pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to 1am Thursday to Saturday.

Other leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall include the recently opened KidZania®, an edutainment centre for children offering 70 role-play opportunities; the 22-screen Reel Cinemas; Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink.

• Emaar Retail hosts Chairman of SEGA Corporation

Dubai, UAE; February 20, 2010: SEGA Republic, the Middle East’s first and largest of its kind indoor theme park, managed by Emaar Retail at The Dubai Mall, is setting new benchmarks in indoor entertainment with a never-before array of amusement games and thrilling rides.

SEGA Republic recently celebrated the overwhelming public response since its opening in August 2009 by hosting SEGA Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr Hajime Satomi. He was accompanied by President and Chief Operating Officer Mr Okitane Usui; Location Based Entertainment Division Senior Executive Producer Mr Yasuo Tazoe, Department General Manager Mr Yasutaka Sato and Project Leader Mr Shoji Mori.

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, and Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the impressive success of SEGA Republic.

Mr Alabbar said: “Emaar works with strategic partners who have proven competencies in driving forward our projects. SEGA Corporation is the undisputed leader in indoor theme parks, and brings in unprecedented innovation and design excellence to SEGA Republic. This is the first of its kind project in the region and is in line with our development credo of bringing in world-first and world-class experiences.”

Mr Satomi said: “SEGA Corporation has pioneered a new dimension in indoor entertainment, which is perfectly embodied in SEGA Republic. In every aspect, this indoor park at The Dubai Mall is trend-setting – from the ambience, décor, service and variety of games and rides offered.”

Mr Amiri added: “The Middle East region has a strong youthful population, and offering them differential experiences is crucial for the success of malls and shopping destinations. SEGA Republic is a spectacular value-addition to The Dubai Mall and has attracted several thousand visitors over the past five months – both young and old. The entertainment showcase at SEGA Republic is unparalleled, making it the most-preferred destination for game and ride enthusiasts.”

A 76,000 sq ft indoor theme park, SEGA Republic has nine adrenaline-pumping attractions including Spin Gear, Sonic Hopper, Halfpipe Canyon, Storm-G and Initial D4 Limited. The various attractions are spread over five themed zones - Speed, Adventure, Sports, Cyberpop and Redemption - featuring a huge array of everything from action packed motion-simulators to simulated sports games, classic carnival games and one of the region’s largest selections of prize-winning redemption games.

SEGA Republic is one of key leisure concepts in The Dubai Mall. Other leisure components in Emaar Retail’s portfolio are Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, featuring the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel and over 33,000 aquatic animals; Dubai’s largest megaplex, the 22-screen Reel Cinemas; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink are magnets for visitors; and a dedicated children’s edutainment centre, KidZania®.

• Colourful Urbano’s  House is home of the mascot of KidZania®
• Dedicated section for toddlers with specially designed games
• Five themed areas to engage children in varied activities

Urbano's House at KidZania® offers unlimited fun for toddlers

Dubai, UAE; January 26, 2010: Toddlers up to 3 years of age can join in the fun at KidZania®, the newly opened innovative children’s edutainment centre in The Dubai Mall.

Urbano’s House at KidZania® is the ultimate fun destination for tiny tots who can revel in a range of specially designed activities. As the name indicates, Urbano’s House is the abode of Urbano, the mascot of KidZania®, who represents children’s ‘Right to KNOW.’

Sparking curiosity and providing activities that build hand-eye coordination as well as unlimited fun, Urbano’s House will be a value-add for families visiting the mall, who can give a dollop of excitement for their toddlers too.

Parents of these kids can also take part in the fun activities thus gaining some quality parenting time. At all times, there will be trained “Zupervisors” who will engage the children in various activities.

Mr William Edwards, Governor, KidZania®, said Urbano’s House is a perfect complement to KidZania®, which offers children up to the age of 16 years the unique opportunity to enact their dream careers. “Urbano’s House is for the little ones, who will be attracted by the play areas, colourful ambience and specially designed games and toys.”

Urbano’s House consists of a Living Room, Kitchen, School room and Play Area. The Living Room hosts puppet shows and story-telling sessions, while in the Kitchen the toddlers are guided to find food to create a balanced menu. Urbano’s School takes the kids through educational games designed to enhance and strengthen various senses and skills, and in the play area, toddlers can enjoy the ball tub and morphing mirrors.

For the convenience of parents, Urbano’s House also has a diaper changing area, feeding and nursing area for babies.

Tickets to KidZania® are free for infants under the age of 2 years old; AED 95 for toddlers between 2 – 3 years old; AED 125 for children between 4 - 16 years old; and AED 90 for adults. Toddlers and their parents can spend unlimited time enjoying the various aspects of Urbano’s House.

Conveniently located near Reel Cinemas, the 22-screen megaplex, and SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park in the Middle East, KidZania® is an award-winning edutainment concept promoting the physical and intellectual growth of children through professional role-plays.

The 80,000 sq ft interactive mini-city features offices, university, fire station, race track, radio station, pizzeria, hospital, bank, theatre and ATM machines amongst others, all scaled down to a smaller, child-friendly size.

Here, kids can take part in over 70 professions including surgeons, firefighters, chefs, engineers, models, actors, artists, radio hosts, photographers, television hosts, jewelry designers, police detectives and mechanics among others.

KidZania® at The Dubai Mall celebrates Foundation Day

• Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan unveils Eternal Flame of KidZania®
• Children pledge allegiance to their own ‘nation’; presents keys to Marketing Partners
• Raising of the Flags and singing of KidZania® National Anthem mark milestone day

 Dubai, UAE; January 21, 2010: The world’s youngest ‘nation’ is born, and it is called ‘KidZania® Dubai.’

At a grand ceremony upholding the proud KidZania® traditions that first originated in Mexico, and now popular among KidZanians around the world, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, grand-daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the Eternal Flame of KidZania®, in the presence of her brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Distinguished guests, children from Raffles International School, KidZania® Ambassadors and Marketing Partners of KidZania® took part in the Foundation Day ceremony attended by His Excellency Francisco Alonso, Consul General of Mexico in Dubai; Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties; Mr Xavier Lopez, Founder & President, KidZania®; and Mr Will Edwards, Governor, KidZania® Dubai.

Children from Raffles School, pledged allegiance by singing KidZania®’s own ‘National Anthem’ while the KidZania® flag was raised alongside that of the UAE and Mexico.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail, which manages KidZania®, said: ”The Foundation Day ceremony is not only a tribute to the spirit of global solidarity that the edutainment centre promotes but also highlights the contribution of our Marketing Partners in helping develop an authentic learning environment.”

KidZania® is an award-winning edutainment concept, first launched in Mexico in 1999, to provide the ultimate in role-playing experiences for children. KidZania® Dubai opened recently to strong response with thousands of children already visiting the centre.

Mr Xavier Lopez added: “Following the opening of KidZania® in Mexico over a decade ago, it is of great excitement to see the Foundation Day of KidZania® Dubai, the seventh KidZania® around the world, following Santa Fe, Monterrey, Tokyo, Jakarta, Koshien and Lisbon. This is a unique concept that children both enjoy and tremendously benefit from.”

Sprawling over 80,000 sq ft over two levels, KidZania® Dubai is conveniently located in the entertainment precinct of the mall near Reel Cinemas, the 22-screen megaplex, and SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park in the Middle East.

KidZania® is a veritable city with an assortment of establishments covering the entire fabric of a working economy – from banks to hospitals, universities to salons, television stations to music lounges, and race tracks to supermarkets.

 The marketing partners such as Emirates, HSBC, ENOC, Waitrose, AC Delco, Procter & Gamble, Lacnor, Emaar Education, Sony Gulf, Sony Professional Solutions, Jotun, Dubai Health Authority, Swiss Arabian, ARY Jewellery & DMCC, DEWA, Jenan (Al Ghurair Foods), Du, McDonald’s, General Motors, Emirates Driving Institute, NAFFCO, Dunkin’ Donuts, Britannia, Pizza Express, HP, Baskin Robbins, Coca-Cola and SWATCH offer real-life professional work environments within KidZania®.

Children can undertake over 70 professions including surgeons, firefighters, chefs, engineers, models, actors, artists, radio hosts, photographers, television hosts, jewelry designers, police detectives and mechanics among others.

They are paid KidZos, the official currency of KidZania® for their ‘services’ which can be used to buy goods and services or even save in their bank account in KidZania®, which provides them with an ATM card too. Children function independently but are guided in each activity by ‘Zoopervisors,’ the trained KidZania® staff.

The Foundation Day activities followed the true KidZania® journey with all guests being provided a Travel Pack containing their Boarding Pass, City Map, Travel Guide and Travel Itinerary for the day. Guests posed for a souvenir photograph at the Independence Fountain, the monument marking their ‘independence’ from adults. The Marketing Partners were given a symbolic key to the city and the artistic team of KidZania® presented a colourful performance and parade.

Tickets to KidZania® are priced at AED 125 for children and AED 90 for adults. Children can spend unlimited time within the zone while parents can rest at a dedicated Parents lounge with Internet and movies, if they so choose. All children are provided Remote Frequency wristbands to monitor their activities, thereby reassuring parents of their safety at all times. KidZania® also has a dedicated area for toddlers, the ‘Urbano’s Residence.’

Emaar Retail also manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals and the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens, Reel Cinemas; and the region’s largest SEGA indoor theme park, SEGA Republic – all in The Dubai Mall.

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Note to Editors

About Emaar Retail:

Emaar Retail is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emaar Malls Group LLC and is the vehicle for all retail operations. Emaar Retail is developing a portfolio of brands in key growth markets and is strategically building new alliances, joint ventures, franchises and licenses for all mall developments under the Emaar Malls Group umbrella. Emaar Retail also manages the business operations for The Dubai Mall’s leisure and entertainment brands including KidZania®, SEGA Republic, the Olympic-sized ‘Dubai Ice Rink’ and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Emaar Retail has also entered into a joint-venture with Cathay Organisation Holdings Ltd in Singapore, to form Reel Entertainment to develop cinemas across the region including the flagship 22-screen cineplex at The Dubai Mall. Emaar Retail was established to drive Emaar Malls Group’s developments in key emerging markets across the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent through creating the right retail mix for the various markets. 

About Emaar Properties PJSC:

Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in several key markets world-wide. Besides building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure, education and healthcare. For more information, visit www.emaar.com.

For further information, please contact:                                                         

Kelly Home / Meral Hassan                               

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller;

Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550;

E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, m.hassan@asdaa.com