Life-size Monopoly with cash prizes comes to three Dubai malls

Some UAE landmarks have been added to the boards, where 35 to 45 games are expected to be played each day in the run-up to Ramadan.

The world’s biggest Monopoly game starts on Friday at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, with cash and gift prizes for shoppers. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

DUBAI // Shoppers can now take part in a life-size version of the world-famous Monopoly board game at three of the emirate’s most popular malls.

The game, which for generations has allowed young and old alike to become a tycoon, will now be an eye-catching fixture in Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre and Mirdif City Centre in the run-up to Ramadan.

People will be able to take part in games on the giant board and win cash and gift prizes.

“I was an avid player of Monopoly when I was growing up and I think making it into a spectacle like this will attract a lot of people,” said Fuad Sharaf, senior director of property management, shopping malls for Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

“The game itself is also educational and teaches you how to make money in property and development, and that had a big impact on me when I was a child.”

To play, shoppers must spend at least Dh300 in the participating malls and then show their receipts to the registration desk, where they will be given a voucher.

Games last between eight and 10 minutes, with organisers expecting 35 to 45 games played each day.

The player with the most points will win Dh500.

Some of the board squares have been added to, with Ski Dubai, Vox Cinemas, the Sheraton hotel and iFly Dubai making appearances.

Landing on these squares will win the player an instant prize.

Each player is given one of the familiar “tokens”, such as a hat, dog, thimble or racing car, and they throw a large dice to make their way around the board.

There is even a life-size jail cell players must go into if they land on the wrong square.

More points and prizes can be won by posting pictures on social media by using one of the tablet computers each player is provided with during the course of the game.

“I like the way they have made the board and I’m looking forward to playing,” said Barbara Taffet, from France.

She was at the event launch at Mall of the Emirates on Thursday, where the game will run until June 26.

“I’m familiar with the rules and have played the game before, like most people, but I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s a good way to enjoy yourself at the mall, along with the shopping, and I think it will be popular.”

Amr Essam, a tourist from Egypt, was with his young daughter.

“I saw a crowd of people and wanted to see what was going on,” he said. “It looks interesting the way they have done it so I’ll probably have a go. I’m in Dubai for two weeks so I’m sure I’ll end up playing at some point.”

Curious shoppers looked on as Mr Monopoly explained the rules of the game. The top hat and white-mustachioed mascot will be in attendance to entertain crowds.

The public will be able to take part in the game from Friday and organisers expect to give away Dh1,500 every 10 minutes. In total, Dh783,000 will be handed out.

Majid Al Futtaim, which runs the malls, struck a deal with Monopoly maker Hasbro to stage the game. Players will get souvenir photos and there is a Monopoly themed manicure for ladies available.

The game is open to the public on Saturdays to Wednesdays, from 12pm to 10pm, and on Thursdays and Fridays, from 12pm to 12am.