KidZania opens in Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall: 'Children's City' lands in the capital

The 'edutainment' destination has unveiled its first location in Abu Dhabi

Children can try out different 'careers' at Kidzania - from dentistry to crime scene investigation. Photo: Kidzania  

Parents in Abu Dhabi looking for indoor activities this summer, can add a new one to the list.

KidZania has opened its first location in the capital, with the attraction allowing little ones the chance to play at being grown-ups and try out different tasks and careers.

The 'edutainment' destination (that's a portmanteau of educational and entertainment) is a child-sized replica of a working city, offering more than 40 role-playing opportunities of real-life professions.

The Abu Dhabi branch, located in Yas Mall, is now the second KidZania in the UAE, joining the flagship theme park in The Dubai Mall.

The new location, which spans 55,000 square feet, is designed for children aged two to 16, with activities that let visitors try their hand at everything from being a police officer or actor to a builder, chef and firefighter.

The role-playing games are designed to help children develop skills such as decision-making, teamwork and creativity, with mini replicas of outlets such as Adnoc, Majid TV, Rove Hotel and Abu Dhabi Special Forces.

“The launch of the second KidZania in Yas Mall offers our young visitors the opportunity to experience a unique real-life business and social environment that familiarises them with real-world careers," said Saoud Khoory, director of shopping malls at Aldar Properties, which owns Yas Mall.

Other tiny businesses featured in the indoor city include an astronaut training centre, a beauty salon, a bank, a supermarket, a dental clinic and a hospital.

Tickets for the Abu Dhabi KidZania are priced by ages, starting from Dh105 for toddlers aged two to three, to premium access for children aged four to 16 at Dh220.

Adult tickets are Dh75, while children one and younger can enter for free. Visitors can currently get a 10 per cent discount when booking online, while an annual pass to the centre costs Dh950.

The first-ever KidZania launched in Mexico in 1999, and now has branches in 20 countries.