Activity

When Sega Republic opened in The Dubai Mall last month it provided the emirate with an indoor theme park for adults, rather than catering for a younger audience as other mall-based attractions do. Spread over two floors, the resort has a number of rides and fairground attractions to keep big kids entertained for hours. Emirates Business went along for the ride.

What's there?

Sega Republic is split into five zones, with nine rides and amusement games spread around the areas. The computer game's most famous character, Sonic the Hedgehog, sits atop the Sonic Hopper, which hoists riders up before "dropping" back down, while Spin Gear is a roller coaster that zooms above other attractions. There are also simulator-type rides, where riders get taken on a jungle trek and flying expedition, which needless to say turns into one bumpy adventure.

All the attractions have a story or theme attached to them, with the Let's Go Jungle Special one of the funniest – we had to shoot bugs while being turned between screens in an attempt to help a guy save his girlfriend from the killer creatures. Sounds bizarre but it's good fun.

Test your skills

As well as of the traditional theme park rides, there are various attractions that give you the chance to pit your skills against others. Halfpipe Canyon is perfect for snowboard fans; reach 40kph as you power the board underfoot. The more you move it, the more you spin. Not only do you compete against another team, but the highest scorers will be posted on the website. There is also the traditional car races. For something a little more adrenaline inducing, try Storm-G, where riders sit in a bobsled and race to the finish line – with twists, turns and 360-degree spins along the way.

Fairground attractions

As well as the adrenaline pumping big rides, Sega Republic offers plenty of other options to keep you amused. Choose from basketball, American football or even the UFO Catcher but our favourite is Billi Bow Plus 1, a cross between billiards and bowling. Up to four people can play against each other as they shoot billiard balls down the aisle to knock over the 10 skittles at the end.

How much does it cost?

Main activities cost from Dh15 to Dh30 but visitors can buy a power pass for Dh100, which gives access to the nine main rides. Fairground attractions cost from Dh4, but there is a minimum charge of Dh10 on the pay and play pass.

More information

Sega Republic is located on the second floor of The Dubai Mall, near the cinema. It's open from 10am until 10pm Sunday to Wednesday and from 10am until midnight Thursday to Saturday. 

- For further details, call 04 448 8484 or visit www.segarepublic.com.

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