Ibn Battuta Mall’s learning adventure tours are proving popular with youngsters in the UAE with many schools taking the opportunity to learn the story behind the world’s largest themed mall.
‘Voyages of Ibn Battuta’, produced in collaboration with MTE Studios, provides an exciting chance for schools, and the public, to be taken through the different world’s encountered by the legendary Islamic traveller during his epic 29-year journey. Expert guides, dressed in authentic 14th Century costume, chart the adventures of the legendary Islamic traveller across the continents, telling the story behind the architecture of the mall’s six courts and ingenious Islamic inventions such as the Elephant Water Clock and the life-size Chinese Junk.
In keeping with the promise to deliver the most innovative mall concept in the region, Nakheel has delivered an original theme based on the life of Arab traveller and adventurer Ibn Battuta. A globetrotter and a man of great vision, Ibn Battuta set off on his legendary journey of the world as a young man around 700 years ago in search of knowledge and excitement.
Ibn Battuta’s 75,000 mile voyage led him on many dangerous and thrilling adventures as he journeyed through Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The main geographical themes of these six regions has been reflected in the architecture and the general ambience of the mall’s courts, which are laid out in sequence of the path Ibn Battuta took to explore the world.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman Nakheel, said: “The response to the tours has been extremely positive; youngsters have been fascinated by the story of Ibn Battuta and the great impact he has had on history. They have expressed a great deal of interest in the architecture, inventions and even the authentic wardrobe of the tour guides.
“The strong values that Ibn Battuta espoused during his travels are represented at Ibn Battuta Mall nearly seven centuries after he embarked on his renowned journey. The six courts strongly project the historical and cultural richness of this Arabian icon’s life, serving as inspiration to all those who visit. With youngsters returning to school this month, what better way for them to learn about the history of this great man than the educational and entertaining ‘Voyages of Ibn Battuta’?”
Visiting schoolgirl, Gurpreet Athwal, said: “I’ve learned a great deal about Ibn Battuta and his many amazing adventures today. The guides are really entertaining and I love their costumes. The mall is really beautiful too; I’ll definitely be coming back for another visit.”
Schoolgirl, Jo Neenan, added: “With most malls, it’s just shops, shops and more shops. Ibn Battuta Mall is very different and it’s great to learn the story behind each of the Courts. The Islamic inventions are also very interesting; I’ve learned a lot today, but also had a really lovely time.”
Bookings for tours, which are in both English and Arabic, can be made at the Customer Service Desks located in Tunisia and China Courts. Several tours, which last around 45 minutes, are conducted each day, beginning in Persia Court.
