Manar Elbaz
DUBAI: Located at Dubai’s Al Ghurair Center, Glitch is one of the largest family entertainment centers that offers exciting activities and video games in an indoor game park spanning 40,000 square feet, making it a perfect indoor destination for family and friends to enjoy the hot summer days.
The game park has more than 30 attractions, including, but not limited to, play areas, game rides, a climbing wall, and an arcade zone.
“With the increasing expat population in the UAE, there was a clear demand for indoor entertainment options tailored specifically for every member of the family. Glitch was born as a solution to fulfil this need, aiming to provide a comprehensive indoor entertainment experience,” Sherif Eldebawy, Al Ghurair Center’s leisure and entertainment vice president, told Arab News Japan.
Upon entry, guests can find the timeless Mario Kart arcade games, where one or more players can compete in immersive racing games. Eldebawy told Arab News Japan that the iconic Nintendo game is a big part of Glitch because it offers a great bonding experience for families.
“We wanted to create an environment where families could bond over shared experiences from the past, allowing parents to reminisce about their own gaming adventures and share stories with their kids. Nintendo’s Mario Kart games not only entertain but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and create opportunities for intergenerational connection,” said Eldebawy.
Other arcade games include Tekken, Halo, Sega’s ATV Slam, Mortal Combat, Pac-Man, and more. The gaming park also includes retro basketball arcade games, such as Slam A Jam and Hoop Shot, where guests can compete solo or against friends in a fast-paced basketball game.
With its various arcade game additions, Eldebawy told Arab News Japan that Glitch is considering hosting esports tournaments in the future.
“For Mario Kart tournaments, it’s definitely something we’re interested in doing,” he said. “Tournaments would add a competitive edge and really bring together gaming enthusiasts of all ages to showcase their skills and enjoy friendly competition. Stay tuned for more exciting activations in the future.”
Moreover, one of Glitch’s highlights is the Pandora’s Peak, an area dedicated to kids climbing through cloud-shaped obstacles in order to slide through a 10-meter-high slide. The goal is to combine elements of traditional playgroup with a maze-like structure.
“Pandora’s Peak is designed to be a memorable highlight for young adventurers, providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity for children to engage their imaginations and enjoy active play in a way that’s both exhilarating and safe as they hop from can to cloud,” Eldebawy told Arab News Japan.
For VR games, Glitch introduced the award-winning rhythm game Beat Saber, where guests wear a VR headset to enter a neon environment and hit blocks that represent musical beats.
Additionally, guests can try a variety of nostalgic immersive VR games on a 360-degree rotating chair that rotates in correlation with the game.
Eldebawy told Arab News Japan that Glitch will be introducing a variety of new additions, such as a laser tag and a soft play area for kids.
“The laser tag area promises to be a game-changer at Glitch. This high-energy attraction will offer an immersive experience that combines strategy, teamwork, and excitement, making the venue a truly one-of-a-kind experience,” he said.
“Additionally, we’re enhancing our adventure offerings with more climbing walls and higher obstacle courses, designed to challenge and thrill our visitors even further,” he shared.
Moreover, the indoor park has introduced its first-ever summer camp on July 8, where kids can engage in games, workshops, and adventures to inspire their creativity and promote active play.
Glitch is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM and offers a day pass that allows guests to experience its full range of attractions for ¥6,532 (149 AED).