Edrak for Edutainment Projects Development Company acquired exclusive franchise rights for Egypt to launch Africa's first KidZania, which will open in the fall of 2012, according to a statement. Tarek Zidan, Edrak's CEO and KidZania's Cairo governor, said that phase one will see investments of around $20 million, with plans to open branches in Giza and Alexandria. Zidan said this will provide around 1,600 job opportunities. KidZania is an ‘edutainment' concept that offers children aged four to 14 role-playing activities that expose them to different professions. KidZania Cairo will open in Cairo Festival City, a commercial center in New Cairo area, spanning over 7,500 square meters of built-up area on two floors. The edutainment city will feature 60 branded establishments including an airport, school, university, bank, hospital, clinics, restaurants, shops, factories, call center, gas station, police and fire stations, real estate, newspaper office, radio and TV stations, the firm said. KidZania, first launched in Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico, is present in eight cities including Tokyo, Jakarta, Seoul, Lisbon, Koshien and Dubai.
