New indoor nature experience to debut in Dubai
A new indoor entertainment concept that plunges visitors into the heart of the natural world is coming to one of Dubai’s most popular shopping malls.
Described as a “supercharged indoor nature experience”, Orbi is being launched by Dubai-based mall operator Majid Al Futtaim at its City Centre Mirdif retail complex. It is scheduled to open in May.
The result of a collaboration by SEGA Holdings Co Ltd and BBC Worldwide, Orbi fuses BBC Earth’s nature content with SEGA’s technology.
Orbi features a custom-built theatre, innovative audio visual technology, and interactive walk-through touchpoints, Majid Al Futtaim said in a statement.
Visitors can experience life at the centre of an elephant herd or in the deepest ocean depths, it added.
Originally introduced in Yokohama in 2013 as an experimental visitor attraction, the UAE will be the first market in the world outside of Japan to house Orbi.
“Orbi truly represents the next generation of ‘edutainment’. It’s a visceral, awe inspiring and edutainment experience brought to life by stunning audio visual content and ground-breaking technology from creative powerhouses SEGA and BBC Worldwide,” said Damien Latham, CEO, at Majid Al Futtaim – Leisure and Entertainment.
“Whether it is through introducing the first indoor ski slope to the Middle East with Ski Dubai, or bringing world-class interactive entertainment with Magic Planet, we’ve been thoroughly committed to creating great moments, for everyone, every day. We cannot wait to unveil Orbi later this year and bring our guests closer to nature than ever imagined.”
Stephen Davies, managing director of Live Entertainment for BBC Worldwide said: “This is a really exciting way of celebrating the natural world and I’m thrilled that we are bringing this to a new audience in Dubai.”
Hideki Okamura, president and COO, SEGA Holdings added: “Orbi has been a big hit with visitors of all nationalities and generations since we first introduced it in Japan.
“We’re proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to bring this unique attraction and magical experience to the UAE’s dynamic domestic and international audiences.”