Children shine at KidZania® SuperstarZ Grand Finale

Dubai, UAE; March 3, 2014: Young talents Jireh Micah and Sheika Ritualo, both from the Philippines, were adjudged as the winners of the grand finale of KidZania® SuperstarZ, one of the most exciting talent-hunts for children aged 5 to 16 years old, organised by KidZania®, the award-winning children’s edutainment centre located in The Dubai Mall.

Judged by internationally renowned choreographer Shiamak Davar, Kris Fade from Virgin Radio, and Dubai’s own talented choreographer Danny Lee, the second edition of KidZania® SuperstarZ was held at Dubai Ice Rink and hosted by Nitin Mirani ‘King of UAE Comedy.’

The spectacular performances of eight finalists each from the age of 5 to 8 years and 9 to 16 years were evaluated by the judges in the presence of hundreds of cheering spectators. The finalists had qualified in the quarter and semi-finals, also at KidZania®, from over 4,000 talented children.

It was Jireh Micah, 8 and Sheika Ritualo, 14 years old who both presented an outstanding performance by singing 'I have nothing' by Whitney Houston, who were crowned Grand Prize winners. They were awarded a trip with their family to Malaysia, including a stay at The Royale Chulan Damansara and an exclusive visit to KidZania® Kuala Lumpur.

Maitha Al Dossari, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC, said: “We are committed to encouraging our youth to shine and explore their inner talents. KidZania® SuperstarZ allows them to evolve as confident and creative individuals. The second edition attracted remarkable children and we are proud to nurture their skills through our innovative edutainment destination.”

The grand finale winners received vouchers for music instruments from Popular Music Institute, talent mentoring programmes from Bareface entertainment, and exclusive tickets from SEGA Republic, Reel Cinemas, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, along with one-year access to KidZania® including the opportunity for a birthday celebration.

Organised in association with Puck and Barni, KidZania® SuperstarZ rewarded the final round participants with a selection of prizes from by Babyshop, flikflak by Swatch, Chili’s, Steak ‘n’ Shake and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

KidZania® SuperstarZ provides little ones the platform to showcase dancing, acting, singing, and instrumental performances, allowing them to shine and discover the artist within. Located on level 2 of The Dubai Mall, KidZania® allows little ones to enact over 80 roles including that of pilots, doctors, healthcare professionals, civil defence personnel, police officers, reporters, photographers, engineers, fashion designers, and artists, among others.

KidZania® provides a safe, unique and very realistic educational environment that allows kids to do what comes naturally to them: role-playing by mimicking activities traditionally done by adults. It features offices, a university, fire station, race track, radio station, pizzeria, hospital, bank, theatre, among others, all scaled down to a smaller, child-friendly size. Children dress up in real-life uniforms and perform realistic professional tasks in a fun and meaningful way.