Page 55 - #195 Dec2024/Jan2025
P. 55

by NASA missions. Visitors should prepare to be immersed
 in this awe-inspiring setting, the world’s largest immersive
 space exploration experience. Through the transformative
 lens of immersive VR, visitors will be transported 400km
 above Earth into the International Space Station. This
 voyage  offers  more  than  just  mere  observations;  it
 immerses you in the essence of space exploration without
 ever leaving the ground. From exclusive encounters with
 astronauts to serene moments of Earth-gazing, every
 sensation deepens your connection to the universe and
 your place within it. It’s more than just a simple expedition;
 it’s an emotional odyssey that leaves a lasting impression.
 Back in September, Lausanne in Switzerland hosted
 the opening of a significant cultural event: TITANIC: The
 Artefact Exhibition.  This exhibition, which has captivated
 over  35 million  visitors worldwide, is  renowned for  its
 careful preservation and presentation of Titanic’s history.
 Now, with the introduction of a new immersive gallery,
 visitors in Switzerland have the unique opportunity to   1
 experience the grandeur and tragedy of the Titanic as
 never before. The exhibition features a carefully curated                Blending physical activity with interactive technology,
 collection of authentic artefacts recovered from the wreck               Activate is a unique addition to the UK’s thriving leisure
 site, each one offering a tangible link to the past. One of              scene, as well as The O2’s extensive day-to-night offer,
 the key highlights of the Lausanne exhibition is the new                 bolstering the venue’s role as the destination of choice
 immersive gallery, which enhances the traditional artefact               for new and exciting concepts.
 display with dynamic, interactive elements. This addition                 The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched the
 allows visitors to enter the world of the Titanic, imagining             National Interactive Entertainment Company (QSAS) to
 themselves on board the legendary ship. The immersive                    develop immersive experiences inspired by Saudi heritage
 section recreates scenes from life on deck through state-of-             and Islamic history. The new company will create interactive
 the-art technology, offering an unparalleled experience that             exhibitions across Saudi Arabia to enhance tourism and
 blends historical education with emotional engagement.                   culture. This company will generate over 11,000 jobs by
 Immerse  LDN  is  London’s  newest entertainment                         2030 and support Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment
 district for world-class immersive experiences and original              sector, aligning with Vision 2030 goals. QSAS will develop,
 productions across TV, film, music, art and gaming – all   2             own and operate world-class cultural experiences across
 to the backdrop of ExCeL London’s new waterfront   5                     Saudi Arabia. It will create different types of attractions,
 in the Royal Docks. Step into the heart of everyone’s                    including permanent and touring exhibitions, and multi-
 favourite TV show at the UK flagship of The FRIENDS™                     sensory  experiences.  The  name  QSAS  is  derived  from
 Experience: The One In London, with nostalgia-packed                     an Arabic word meaning “stories”. In its experiences, the
 recreated sets, iconic backdrops, costumes and props. Back               company will highlight historical milestones and inspiring
 in August, the site also launched a new experience where                 personalities from Saudi Arabia and across the world.
 guests can enter the world of motorsport with Formula                     Opened last month in Dubai was the world’s first
 1®: The Exhibition - an interactive journey through the                  Museum of Candy, a first-of-its-kind museum whici invites
 extraordinary story of motorsport’s greatest spectacle.                  visitors to act like a kid again as they go from room to
 Immerse LDN also houses a wide variety of food and                       room. A cotton candy bath, a gummy bear pool and a
 drink offerings, beginning with street food collective KERB              thrill and chill ice cream room are just a handful of the
 – serving some of London’s most exciting street food –                   Instagrammable highlights. There will be a life-size lollipop
 followed by a brand-new waterside food hall & bar and                    forest, a pool of sprinkles, clouds of cotton candy and
 café later in the year. Current outlets include established              more with larger-than-life candy creations and interactive
 KERB eateries such as Duck Shed (wraps, salads &   3                     surprises perfect for the ‘gram. Based on Umm Hurair
 burgers), Masa Taqueria (Tacos), Nazari (Middle Eastern                  Road, the Museum of Candy promises to be a wild day
 cuisine) and speciality London-roasted coffee house Hej.  6              out packed with colour and sugar.
 Also in London is Frameless, a pioneering, innovative   1. Formula 1 ®  The   Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), part of Qiddiya
 story-telling company that uses the highest quality   in ways never seen before. Frameless is transforming how   Exhibition, Immerse   Investment Company (QIC), a wholly owned Public
                                                      LDN, London, UK
 projection and digital technology, combined with   people consume and enjoy art, making it accessible to all   2. TITANIC: The Artefact   Investment Fund (PIF) entity, and MATTEL, a multinational
                                                      Exhibition, Lausanne,
 Hollywood-style special effects to remix, reimagine   and engaging a modern audience.  Switzerland  toy and entertainment company, have announced that it
 and reinterpret stories, pushing the boundaries of   The O2, the world’s most popular live entertainment,   3. Squid Game: The   will be bringing the Hot Wheels™ e-karting racing tracks
                                                      Experience, New York City,
                                                      US
 creativity to deliver new levels of audience experience by   leisure, and retail destination, has announced Activate,   4. Hot Wheels Electric   to six cities across Saudi Arabia. With the addition of Hot
 transporting its visitors to new worlds. Everything they   the immersive and interactive game concept, will make its   Karting, Saudi Arabia  Wheels e-karts, SEVEN continues to bolster its portfolio
 do is driven by the pursuit of excellence and the desire   highly anticipated UK debut at the destination this winter.   5. Neobio Museum, Shanghai,   and further  build  the karting community  following  its
                                                      China
 to create world-class entertainment. Their multi-award-  Activate, an immersive and interactive leisure concept by   6. The Friends™   announcement earlier this year that it would be bringing
                                                      Experience: The One In
 winning experience at Marble Arch features a stunning   leading experiential group, We Do Play, is set to open   London, Immerse LDN,   indoor e-karting centres to multiple SEVEN entertainment
 30,000sq ft permanent multi-sensory immersive art   into a 10,000sq ft unit, delivering a lively gaming facility   London, UK  destinations. The Hot Wheels e-karting experiences will be
 experience consisting  of four  galleries which showcase   with multiple dynamic game rooms where visitors can   in SEVEN’s entertainment complexes in Riyadh, Makkah,
 some of the world’s greatest works of art on a scale and   4  navigate and take part in physical and mental challenges.   Taif, Al Madinah, Tabuk, and Jazan.

 54 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025  DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL 55
   50   51   52   53   54   55   56   57   58   59   60