Perched at the top of Wafi Mall, Encounter Zone is an indoor family entertainment destination offering something for all youngsters during the summer months, including an indoor skate park and paintball complex.
Covering an area of over 35,000 square ft, Encounter Zone is split into two themed sections – Lunarland and Galactica. Aimed at nine and above, Galactica focuses on extreme sports, interactive gaming and rides for teenagers and grown-ups. For younger children, Lunarland has been designed and recently upgraded to increase physical development, enhance creativity and explore the imagination of kids and toddlers.
One of the jewels in Encounter Zone's crown is DN Indoor Paintball - a first of its kind in the UAE. The purpose-built facility features two battle zones, each holding ten people, and a unique Night Fire game. An increasingly popular sport, paintballing involves physical and mental tactics and strategy in a highly competitive environment, with full air conditioning in order to remain comfortable during combat. DN is the only paintball field in the Middle East where you can play Night Fire games, a style of paintball played in the dark under UV lights with fluorescent paint balls. Players compete on a field fully equipped with on-field special effects including lighting and smoke. Competitors are divided into two teams wearing fluorescent jackets and shoot spectacular luminous paintballs. Each session can played for up to two hours, with mask, clothing and gun provided. Private bookings available on week days and require a minimum of twelve players. Any casual clothing can be worn. Call 050 1877557 to book.
Encounter Zone also boasts GXpress, an extensive track for roller blade and skate board enthusiasts. GXpress is the first indoor skate park in Dubai and is the ideal environment to practice, learn new tricks on aggressive ramps, grind wheels or glide around the perimeter track with friends. With including equipment provided, GXpress is an exciting venue to meet new people while remaining active during the hot summer months.
The Tomb house of horrors is a live interactive format, where guests are taken on a journey by both actors and animatronics. Terrifying fun is guaranteed as you try to escape the weapon wielding ghouls with the help of 'Lucky' the Gatekeeper. Each scarily realistic session is not for the faint hearted, lasting around seven minutes, with anyone under 14 requiring parental consent.
MaxFlight is a twin-seated virtual reality rollercoaster simulator with nine futuristically designed tracks. This ride revolves 360 degrees in all directions, makes the brave riders feel the pull of gravity.
Portal Reloaded allows online gamers to sit side by side and interact as they compete at their game of choice, whether or not they are involved in the same virtual worlds.
Under-nines will find hours of fun in Encounter Zone's Lunarland, including:
Crater Challenge: Five-tier play area with long slides, cross bridges, mazes and tunnelsCommand Centre: Gigantic inflatable fun with colourful aliens and space themed soft toysSpace Station: Carousels with six colourful capsules that light up, rise and fall and revolveRoller Racer: Popular type of karting powered by wigglingLunar Module: Colourful soft play area for toddlers with mini-ball pool and interactive soft toysRedemption Games: Wide selection of interactive games to win tickets for prizesKiddies Rides: Various small mechanical simulation rides for adventurous toddlersMoon Base: Purpose built party room to celebrate special occasions, offering party packages, attractions and games. Safety supervision is on hand at all times provided by the experienced customer service team. Call 04 3247747 to book.
Wafi's Encounter Zone is on the third level of the mall and is open 10am–10pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10am-midnight on Thursdays and Fridays. There is no admission charge and the area includes a food court and offers an EZ card option to give children more freedom to explore.
