Qatar Airways on Tuesday opened the Aviation Academy at KidZania Doha as part of its new role as Official Airline Sponsor of Qatar’s first educational-entertainment concept for children.
The airline unveiled the installation of one of its aircraft at the Aviation Academy at a press conference led by Qatar Entertainment Company (Tasali) board member and deputy COO of Aspire Logistics, Rashid al-Khalifa; and manager of the Cadet Pilot Programme, Captain Ahmad El Said.


Officials at the press conference. PICTURE: Jayan Orma


The aircraft has been converted into a simulator that allows kids to role-play as pilots and cabin crew and immerse themselves as in the world of aviation and travel, learning how to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers on board, according to a press statement. Parents can join in the fun as they role play as passengers receiving award-winning in-flight hospitality from their children.
Visitors entering KidZania Doha will be welcomed at the Qatar Airways branded check-in desks, by personnel dressed in Qatar Airways uniforms.
Qatar Airways senior vice-president - Marketing and Corporate Communications Salam al-Shawa said, “We are delighted to contribute to and stimulate the minds of the youth by allowing them to ignite their imagination as they role-play as Qatar Airways pilots and cabin crew. Our partnership with KidZania Doha brings children’s aviation dreams to life in a way that integrates education and entertainment together. At Qatar Airways, we take seriously our role in inspiring and encouraging our aviation leaders of the future.”
Al-Khalifa added, “At KidZania, we seek to encourage and stimulate the early development of children through playful learning and the use of imagination and creativity toward their future paths. We completely align our efforts with Qatar National Vision 2030 to help boost human, educational, social and economic development in Qatar.”
KidZania Doha is an educational-entertainment concept for children designed by educators, where children can independently choose from an array of real-life activities to simulate. It manages more than 28 parks worldwide, of which Qatar Airways is a co-sponsor of its Kuwait and Singapore locations, in addition to KidZania Doha located in Aspire Park.
Built around the concept of the ‘City of Education and Entertainment’, KidZania features an interactive kid-sized city, which was developed for and is managed solely by children aged between two and 14 years. The self-sufficient city includes more than 60 real-life simulation activities across diverse business environments, and allows children to dress up and role-play realistic tasks in a safe, interactive and meaningful environment.
The edutainment park, with its own economy and currency, has been designed to provide a holistic experience to support physical and mental development amongst children, and help improve their self-esteem and confidence.
The theme parks are benefiting from a growing need around the world for unique experiences aimed at children and youth that combine entertainment and education. With 28 facilities around the globe, from Mexico City to Tokyo to London, KidZania annually hosts more than 9mn visitors in 21 countries.
KidZania Doha is owned and operated by Qatar Entertainment, Tasali. A partnership between well-known companies in the private sector (Sharaka Holdings) and the public sector (Aspire Zone Foundation) coming together to support Qatar National Vision 2030. KidZania Doha has been honoured with awards of appreciation from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar National Tourism Council, Best Buddies and Shafallah Centre, Qatar Green Building Council and Qatar Cancer Society.
It is located in Aspire Zone, one of the most visited and centrally located attractions in Doha, and has been classified as one of Qatar’s most accessible venues by Accessible Qatar.
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