Dubai home to region’s first indoor video game theme park

The Middle East’s first indoor theme park dedicated to video games is to open in Dubai.

The Hub Zero project, which is planned for Dubai’s City Walk development, has been announced by Dubai-based holding company Meraas.

It will be developed in association with video game developers including Electronic Arts, Konami, Microsoft and Square Enix.

Set to feature 18 attractions, rides and zones, a dedicated e-Sports LAN gaming area, children’s play area, and several themed food outlets, Hub Zero will cover an area of 15,000 square metres across two floors.

The theme park will also host events and tournaments with rides powered by artificial intelligence and “real-time engines” for a non-predictive experience, said Meraas.

“Hub Zero is poised to bring refreshing innovation to the region’s theme park landscape by capitalising on the growing global demand in the gaming industry and delivering a radically new gaming experience,” said a company spokesperson.

 “It is designed to cater to people of all ages who love thrills and want to spend a fun-filled day with their friends and families.”

The Hub Zero development, which is due to open this summer, will add to Meraas’ growing leisure and entertainment portfolio, which includes the recently announced Green Planet bio-dome and educational play experience Mattel Play! Town.

Meraas also launched the 360-degree theatre experience, The Dome Box, last year.

This dome-shaped time machine takes visitors on a journey through time and space.