The past weekend played host to the Middle East Film and Comic Con, an event that attracted geeks from across the region as they assembled to share in activities and experiences that make the Con what it is. Naturally the Absolute Geeks team was on the ground and while the Con itself could have done better, there were some fascinating stalls and exhibitions, the key most being Hub Zero.
Hub Zero is the region’s first immersive entertainment park that will offer innovative experiences created in partnership with leading game developers including Electronic Arts, Capcom, KONAMI, Microsoft and Square Enix. Targeting visitors aged 10 and up, the state-of-the-art indoor entertainment destination includes thrilling rides and attractions developed exclusively for Hub Zero.Owned by Meraas, a Dubai-based holding company and based on world-renowned intellectual properties in the gaming industry, Hub Zero delivers a truly unique gaming experience, utilizing the latest in cutting-edge virtual technologies. To give potential future visitors a taste of what it can offer, a huge exhibition stand let a user demo the immersive virtual reality experience. Dozens queued up for the chance to pick up a prop gun with trackers on it and put on a VR headset that immediately dropped them into Time Zombies, a zombie game where their only defenses were quick reactions and accurate aim.
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Our editor Kevin Sebastian spent 5 minutes demoing Time Zombies at Comic Con, after which he promptly queued up again.
“We are thrilled to participate in the fifth edition of the Middle East Film & Comic Con and reveal our IP line-up to the city’s enthusiastic audiences. When open, Hub Zero will offer visitors of all ages a fun-filled day out where they can relive some of their most thrilling fantasies. Furthermore, a large majority of the rides and attractions at Hub Zero are world firsts. The experiential entertainment at Hub Zero will challenge visitor perceptions and revolutionise how gamers see and experience video games. We are confident the stimulating and engaging journey will compel visitors to come back time after time.”
– Jean Marc Bled, General Manager, Leisure & Entertainment at Meraas.
While Comic Con may be over, it doesn’t mark the end of Hub Zero as the entertainment park will be launching in Summer at City Walk. Spread over an area of approximately 15,000 square metres on two floors, the immersive entertainment park will also feature an extensive e-Sports LAN gaming zone and a children’s play area. Furthermore, the three Hub Zero event rooms will offer a unique setting for private celebrations and get-togethers. Shopping enthusiasts will be offered a wide-ranging collection of Hub Zero and video game merchandise. Several themed food outlets will provide refreshments and help visitors prep-up for the next round of adrenaline-fuelled activities.
