The American University of Kuwait 'Edutains' at KidZania Kuwait

KidZania Kuwait, the family entertainment park opening later this year, is pleased to announce that the American University of Kuwait (AUK) is joining its growing family of leading marketing partners. AUK, the influential American University in Kuwait, is sponsoring the University establishment within the children' city that is due to open in The Avenues' exciting Phase III expansion, operated by leading international franchiser M. H. Alshaya.

The AUK establishment within KidZania Kuwait will be an integral aspect of the child-sized world. It will provide children with an interactive setting and, through role-play as university students, the chance to pursue a degree in many fields including architecture, healthcare sciences and art. Upon completion of their university course, they will receive a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree certificate. By being more qualified academically, children will be able to earn extra kidZos, KidZania's official currency, and improve their career prospects in the park.

"AUK is proud to partner with KidZania Kuwait to be the only university in the child-sized city. We are excited to be contributing to the growth and development of Kuwait's youth by providing knowledge, self-awareness and personal growth experiences that can enhance critical thinking, effective communication and respect for diversity," said Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Chairwoman of United Education Company (UEC) and Founder and Chair, Board of Trustees of AUK. "We also see this partnership as a valuable opportunity to connect with our prospective students and to encourage them to become leaders and life-long learners who aspire to the highest standards of moral and ethical responsibility in their societies."

Commenting on the new partnership, Vice President of the Leisure and Entertainment Division at M.H. Alshaya, Fernando Medroa said: "We are delighted to have AUK on board KidZania Kuwait. We believe our partnership with AUK is a perfect fit with our values and will provide our customers and their children with an exceptional experience that not only enables children to be immersed in a real university environment, but also teaches them the importance of academia. Our growing number of marketing partnerships, and their unique establishment in KidZania Kuwait, provide an enriching and positive experience for children, all within a fun and interactive environment."

About KidZania:

Much more than a children's museum or family entertainment center, KidZania takes interactive entertainment and learning to an entirely new level by combining role playing with real life. KidZania creates a kid-centric city experience designed to educate and inspire 4 to 14-year olds - from arriving at the airport, to visiting a city center to exploring the city streets. We replicate the real world in a safe and self-contained over 7,000 square meter kid-sized city. As in the real world, children choose activities - such as being a police officer, doctor, journalist or a shopkeeper - and earn money which they can then spend or save. KidZania operates just like a real city complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles, a functioning economy and recognizable destinations in the form of "establishments" sponsored and branded by leading multi-national and local brands. The facilities are designed to educate through experience, fostering the development of life skills, but from a kid perspective - it's all about fun.

KidZania, Inc., headquartered in Mexico, is privately held. This award-winning concept is recognized globally for its unique blend of entertainment and education for children. The first KidZania opened in Mexico City in 1999. There are eight other locations including, Monterrey, Mexico; Tokyo, Jakarta, Koshien, Lisbon, Dubai, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur. To date, more than 20 million kids and parents have visited the facilities globally. The trajectory continues with 13 facilities in development, including a new facility in Mexico City where kids can drive from point-to-point.

KidZania Kuwait is a (7,000 square meter) facility, located in the Phase III extension of The Avenues. For more information about KidZania and the facility locations, visit www.KidZania.com

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 3rd September 2012