Dubai :The Majid Al Futtaim Leisure will be combining fun, education and confidence-building with their new water-based "edutainment" recreation facility that will open at Mirdif City Centre.
A concept designed and developed by the company to push the boundaries of in-mall entertainment, Aquaplay looks set to make a big splash with children of all ages.
But visitors don't need to get wet from head to toe with the roll-your-sleeves-up entertainment, which is also designed for fun in shallow water. Aquaplay was conceived to mix learning with pleasure, featuring interactive "aquatraptions" targeting 2 to 8 year olds.
Silvio Liedtke, general manager, FEC, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, described the facility as a one-of-a-kind facility. "This was a Majid Al Futtaim Leisure project from concept to completion and it has taken a great deal of vision and hard work to bring this together," he said.
"There has always been the scope to create an environment where children can interact with water without being completely submerged in it and we have taken it upon ourselves to realise that potential. It's the perfect way for children to build confidence around water," he added.
Due to open in the first quarter of 2010, Aquaplay features running and still water throughout. It incorporates the marine themes of sandy beaches and palm trees along with an ambient cool blue and sandy beige colour scheme. An offshore sailing feel is provided courtesy of ropes and rigging and the conceptual atmosphere is completed by its own colourful cast of characters, the 'Aquapals,' skippered by the Captain Splash.
But in addition to all the fun to be had, there are also valuable lessons that the facility will impart. The Aquapals emphasise the importance of sea life and also educate children on water awareness. And at the heart of Aquaplay will be the region's first Aquatraptions area, where visitors can experience the dynamics of water.