Alshaya Officially Opens KidZania Kuwait

18 Jun 2013

The new kid-sized city represents a US$50 million investment by Alshaya

KidZania Kuwait opens in presence of Kuwait's Minister of Education

M. H. Alshaya Co. has marked the official opening of KidZania Kuwait in a series of celebrations that started with a Founding Ceremony on the 16th of June 2013 in the presence of Minister of Education in the State of Kuwait, H.E. Dr Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf, Founder and President of KidZania, Xavier Lopez, as well as the Ambassador of Mexico to Kuwait, H.E. Luis Alberto Barrero Stahl and Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya.

KidZania is an award-winning 'edutainment' concept, recognised globally for its unique blend of entertainment and education which is designed to educate and inspire children up to 14-years old. Each KidZania replicates the real world in a safe and self-contained kid-sized city complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles, a functioning economy and recognizable destinations in the form of 'establishments' which are sponsored and branded by leading multi-national and local brands. KidZania cities are designed to educate and develop life skills through experience and role play, but from a children's perspective, it's all about fun.

The opening of KidZania in Kuwait represents an investment by Alshaya of over US$50 million. More than 200 VIP guests attended the Founding Ceremony to witness the official declaration of KidZania Kuwait's independence, a KidZania tradition that marks the founding of KidZania cities across the globe. Each of the establishment sponsors within KidZania were also recognised for their commitment and presented with keys to the city. As a part of its global tradition, the event came to a closing with the lighting of the eternal flame within the KidZania Globe, signifying Kuwait's initiation as the 13th KidZania nation.

Expressing his delight about the addition of KidZania Kuwait to the KidZania nation, Xavier Lopes commented: "We are extremely excited to launch KidZania Kuwait and to introduce this unique 'edutainment' concept to the children of this welcoming country. Partnering with esteemed companies such as M.H. Alshaya Co. has made KidZania a truly global brand, and we are very proud of our joint accomplishment here in Kuwait. More importantly, we are delighted that all the children of Kuwait will be able to learn and play within our one-of-a-kind edutainment park, helping them to get ready for a better world!"

Executive Chairman of M. H. Alshaya Co., Mohammed Alshaya commented: "I believe it is incredibly important that we inspire our young people to follow and develop their passions - to discover rewarding careers and bright futures. So when I first saw KidZania, I was determined to bring this incredible concept of 'edutainment' to Kuwait – an exciting mix of education and entertainment that I know people here will love."

A further celebration held at The Avenues took place on 17th June beginning with a festive parade for Kids around The Avenues mall and culminating at KidZania Kuwait's entrance, where four young kids and dignitaries from Alshaya and KidZania officially revealed the 13th KidZania city to the world and opened its doors to visitors.