Antic's Land opens in Sharjah

Antic's Land, a huge Dh 35 million family entertainment centre, opened yesterday at the Sharjah Mega Mall, introducing a new concept of education and entertainment for people of all ages, especially children.

At 85,000 sq ft, this distinctively themed family entertainment centre places the visitors in ancient times and allows them to travel through time with Antic – a fictional character who will be the focus of attraction at the centre, as his ventures lead him to a futuristic Sharjah.

"Unique rides, games, edutainment activities, shops and much more entice visitors, young in age and young at heart, with this surreal experience," said Dave Rowbotham, General Manager of the Family Entertainment Centre.

He explained that the project took 18 months to complete.

He said that Antic's land, which is the first of its kind in the region, was named after an adventurous character called 'Antic' who will share with visitors his experiences of the mystical places and magical people he had come across in his journey in ancient times.

"Following Antic on his quest for discovery and wonders, visitors will experience the splendours of three mystical lands: Beauty, Discovery and Utopia," he said.

He noted that these three different lands will be decorated according to their themes and any visitor coming to these lands will be fascinated by the stories relating to these places, which will be marked with special sound effects.

Rowbotham said that the centre will house 12 mechanical rides, the majority of which are new in the region, 180 of the latest video games and kiddy rides, a theatre, an advanced 3D cinema, a climbing wall, a soft play area for kids, a big aquarium, and snakes, birds, spiders, scorpions and ants.

It also contains a scientific and educational interactive exhibition, a number of hobby workshops, a party room and a nursery.

He said that there would be separate areas for teenagers. There will be a daily parade led by Antic, highlighting various aspects of the centre. Parents and children will also be invited to take part in the daily parade.

He noted that they are planning to roll out more such centres in other emirates.

Raffi Ayad, General Manager of Sharjah Mega Mall, explained: "Apart from the great fun and entertainment, the uniqueness of Antic's Land comes from its specially designed theme and the educational elements that both children and adults can benefit from."

Dirk Durnex, designer of Antic's Land, said that it took 1,200 working hours to design it according to the taste of the local population.

He said that they had composed 14 sound tracks and special sound effects to match the day and night ambience. Opening from 11am to 12 midnight.