Malek Helali
Doha
Kidzania's longest aircraft in the region landed in the Aspire Park on Tuesday. The Boeing 737-500 AB380, which features six simulators, will serve as one of Kidzania's edutainment facilities. Kidzania is expected to open in the first quarter of 2018.
The aircraft was transported from the UAE through Saudi Arabia.
Qatar Entertainment Company (Tasali), a joint venture of Aspire Zone and Sharaka Holdings, celebrated the landing of the aircraft with much fanfare.
Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman al Thani, Tasali Board Member and Katara's Hospitality Deputy Chairman, said,"Kidzania's opening in Qatar is in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030 as it represents an exemplar collaboration between the government and private sector represented by Qatar National Bank and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. The edutainment concept that merges education with entertainment in an untraditional learning environment will promote key values such as teamwork, loyalty and productiveness while conforming to the Qatari culture and traditions."
"New generations of Qatari leaders and entrepreneurs will emerge inspired by Kidzania. The award winning edutainment concept Kidzania has 24 locations in 19 countries and is growing globally. Qatar is among the five locations still in development," he said.
Ric Fernan, Governor of Kidzania Doha, revealed that the facility is expected to welcome over 300,000 visitors yearly and accommodate 1,000 children with 250 employees at once.
"This is an experience for kids by kids. Children between four and 14 years old will be able to play the roles various career choices and develop social, human and economic values at the same time," Fenan added.
Kidzania was first opened in Mexico in 1999, and continues to expand its locations with over 1,000 global partners such as Qatar Airways, its corporate sponsor in Qatar.