Gaming is often a sedentary experience. Players sit on a comfortable couch in front of the TV or computer and play their favourite games, sometimes for hours on end. But that doesn’t always have to be the case.
New experiences are sprouting around the UAE that bring gaming into real life, allowing players to feel like they’re part of the action, either completing tasks against the clock or racing against friends Mario Kart style.
Here are four places in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that offer real-life gaming experiences.
Activate, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai
Originally launched in Canada, Activate is an interactive gaming experience that invites players to choose from nine uniquely challenging rooms. Recently opened at City Centre Mirdif in Dubai, these rooms feature a variety of obstacles, such as racing from wall to wall to hit buttons before time runs out, or collaborating with friends to guide a ball through the correct holes.
“I think in a world where everybody seems to be getting more secluded with video games, with telephones, with Covid, working from home, I think Activate is the pushback to that," says founder and chief executive Adam Schmidt.
Schmidt says that places like Activate are a good way to get children who have grown up with video games to try something fun and active. He adds that the median age of visitors is anywhere between 15 and 40. He says: "It's like a way of playing video games but also you're coming out sweating and so it has that sort of active, healthy element to it."
The rooms in Activate also have the option to increase the difficulty once a task is mastered, keeping the playing experience different. The rooms use all manner of technology from laser detection to sensors on the floor that bring a game like the floor is lava to life.
Schmidt says that the rooms aren’t static, they can be changed and reprogrammed to offer new challenges if needed. "What's really cool about Activate is that it's a platform and that platform not only has the ability to add games with the click of a button, but it also has the ability to add new ways to play," he says.
Between the many rooms is a leaderboard display for all to see with players who excel at a particular room having their names on it.
Prices for entry start at Dh95 for an hour
Cube Challenges, Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi
Cube Challenges is a venue that offers players 32 different challenges, each testing different skills like quick thinking, puzzle solving, physical challenges and overcoming horror scenarios. The challenges also come with a time limit that makes it a thrilling experience for those who decide to take it on.
Located at Reem Mall, the many different rooms offer an eclectic adventure, each with a different design and feel, recreating the video game experience of going through different levels. Some of these include Golden Gate Bridge where team members have to work together to cross a bridge safely. Another is the Laser Maze, in which players must traverse a challenging maze while avoiding touching the sensitive lasers.
There are also more sports-based levels such as Subbuteo, which require players to score as many goals as possible past the electronic goalkeeper. Basketball fans can try the Buzzer Beater challenge, scoring as many baskets as possible before time runs out.
Horror fans have a choice between four levels: Ghost Hunters, Horror Route, Magic Potion and Who’s There.
Prices for entry are Dh100 for children and Dh120 for adults
Chaos Karts, Al Quoz, Dubai
Most people have played Nintendo's Mario Kart before, competing against friends or the computer to claim the top spot while traversing colourful tracks and avoiding obstacles. At Chaos Karts in Dubai, that experience is brought to life. Located in Al Quoz near Alserkal Avenue, the real-life kart track aims for a thrilling racing experience.
The track at Chaos Karts incorporates augmented reality technology to create a variety of scenes that make players feel like they’re racing through anything from a desert landscape to traversing the cosmos and avoiding stars.
The technology also enhances the driving experience by adding obstacles and giving drivers power-ups, such as virtual slugs to slow racers ahead of them or planting a trap for those behind them much like in Mario Kart.
With the changing environments and evolving challenges, racing at Chaos Karts sets itself apart from a normal karting experience and brings in gamers who have always wanted to drive on the Rainbow Road themselves.
Ticket prices per person start at Dh140
Pixoul, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi
Opened in 2022, Pixoul has become the destination for all things gaming in the capital. The venue has everything from an esports academy to a retro games hall with classics such as Street Fighter and Contra.
“We believe that everyone should be a gamer today as esport fosters creativity, encourages problem-solving and builds leadership skills," general manager Paul Hamilton previously told The National. "So, we designed Pixoul Gaming to offer a new world of digital amusement and showcase Abu Dhabi as a global leader in esports and digital entertainment."
What really sets Pixoul apart though is its cutting-edge augmented reality and virtual reality experiences. Named Pixoul Planet, the experience is broken down into different levels each with its own challenge that lasts around 10 minutes.
The first level in Pixoul Planet is CryoGenesis, which puts players in a pod. Then comes a level called The Lift which simulates the experience of being in an elevator while being attacked by enemies. Then comes Operation B in which two players must attempt to safely get to a helipad while facing enemy fire.
These are just three levels in the Pixoul Planet experience that puts players in the heart of a virtual world and requires them to react and fire back or defend territory with their own hands rather than using a controller.
Prices start at Dh200 to experience the full Pixoul Planet story
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
PROFILE BOX
Company name: Overwrite.ai
Founder: Ayman Alashkar
Started: Established in 2020
Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
Sector: PropTech
Initial investment: Self-funded by founder
Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
I Care A Lot
Directed by: J Blakeson
Starring: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage
3/5 stars
Company profile
Date started: January, 2014
Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe
Based: Dubai
Sector: Education technology
Size: Five employees
Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.
Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
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- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Bullet%20Train
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Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Match info
Manchester United 1 (Van de Beek 80') Crystal Palace 3 (Townsend 7', Zaha pen 74' & 85')
Man of the match Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
CREW
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Racecard
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
9.30pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
The specs: 2019 Jeep Wrangler
Price, base: Dh132,000
Engine: 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 285hp @ 6,400rpm
Torque: 347Nm @ 4,100rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.6L to 10.3L / 100km
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
