Saleh Fareed Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — "We believe KidZania Jeddah is an exceptional addition to the Saudi community, we want the Saudi kids to have fun, and while they are having fun to really learn something,” said the international executive chairman and founder of KidZania. Speaking to Saudi Gazette during the official opening of Kidzania Jeddah, Xavier Lopez, the international executive chairman and the founder of KidZania, said KidZania Jeddah will provide a unique opportunity for Saudi children and guests from around the world to experience life as adults, working together to run the city, while simultaneously learning the values of leadership and teamwork. Fifteen years after the first KidZania opened in Santa Fe, a neighborhood in his native Mexico City, Lopez noted that they now have 17 locations globally and nine upcoming developments which will give KidZania presence in 22 countries. He explained “as of today, KidZania has 17 facilities in 14 different countries around the world and Kidzania Jeddah is the third in the Middle East. Last year, 6.5 million visitors came to KidZanias, of those one-third were adults, two-thirds were children. We are continuing to grow very fast. This year we are going to have 8 million people visiting KidZanias. He also said “we are excited to welcome the children of Saudi Arabia as citizens of KidZania where they can experience a real city, be challenged and inspired and get ready to create a better world. Moreover, I am very proud that KidZania Jeddah is the first KidZania metropolis in the world to operate with 100 percent female supervisors.” López believes that his young visitors are getting ready for a better world, whether they realize it or not. “We are empowering them to become independent,” he said. “What they love most, on the second or third visit, is their independence. They have their own kidzos, they can make their own decisions. This is their world, where they are not being told what to do. Here children are by themselves. We don't tell them anything. Just cash your check, get money, and start spending money—that is the only thing we tell them,” he said. Speaking of his brainchild, he said that the idea for KidZania started 12 years ago when his childhood friend approached him to start a business in day-care center that would offer a variety of activities that could attract children. “I had a passion for educating children and my vision to elevate role-play into an enriching, meaningful experience for children around the globe has become the driving force behind my KidZania,” he added. “I believe KidZania can promote change, inspire global citizenship and build strong community awareness amongst our children through an experience that is hands-on, engaging, educational, and most importantly, fun.” Regarding their presence in Saudi Arabia, he pointed out that Saudi Arabia is a big market, has the population and they have less options. “We are planning to expand our presence also in Riyadh and Dammam,” he said. The official opening of KidZania Jeddah witnessed the attendance of Xavier Lopez as well as Eng. Salman Alhokair, chairman of Fawaz Alhokair Group; Stuart Birkwood , CEO of Kidzania Jeddah; Dr. Iman Baker, Head of Commercial Department; and Maged Alnajjar, Kidzania General Manager, aside from social figures.
