The much-publicised redevelopment and rebanding of the Sega Republic teenager-oriented FEC at the Dubai Mall into the city’s first VR Park, by owner and operator Emaar Entertainment, appears to have paid off.
Said one TripAdvisor writer from London: “My 13-year-old loved it here. We weren't going to go as he loved Sega Republic and was disappointed it was a virtual reality park now. We just popped in to look and it was better than expected, went upstairs and it still had some rides from before but updated. My son ended up loving it here. It wasn’t what we thought at all, much more interactive and fun.”
Another contributor noted: “This is the new hot spot in the Dubai Mall. It really deserves a try. Amazing interiors and super quality game stations. Staff are well trained. Definitely, I can see these VR parks replacing the traditional amusement games parks.”
The park opened earlier this year and represents a bold revising of the Sega Republic brand that had occupied the space close to KidZania on the first floor for some years. Emaar Entertainment, the leisure and entertainment subsidiary of Emaar Properties, includes augmented and virtual reality in rides, journeys and games in a two-storey attraction.
Many of the themes, backgrounds and features of the games are based upon familiar UAE landmarks such as the Burj al Arab hotel or dune-bashing in the desert. There is even a VR Carousel for younger children. The park covers 7,000 square metres and is open seven days a week. It operates on free entry with experiences priced at between AED15 and 45.
