Leo & Loona, one of the UAE’s rapidly expanding edutainment brands, is taking a significant step forward by entering the Bahrain market. In under two years, this homegrown initiative has transformed from a single location into a thriving multi-site success, attracting families and investors alike with its distinctive approach to play and education. With three successful venues already operating in the UAE and plans for new sites throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Leo & Loona is reimagining family entertainment in the Middle East.
Its first international location is set to open at Avenues Bahrain in early 2026, in collaboration with Mabanee, a prominent real estate developer in the region. Covering an area of 2,360 square meters, this new facility will be the largest family entertainment venue at Avenues Bahrain, representing a pivotal advancement in Leo & Loona’s regional expansion strategy.
Since launching at Dubai Festival City Mall, the brand has also established venues at Yas Mall and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, thus building a loyal customer following. Currently, 60% of their total visitors are return customers, a notable increase from only 20% during their inaugural year, illustrating high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement. The edutainment sector in the MENA region is experiencing consistent growth, with projections indicating that the family entertainment market will surpass $1.68 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 13.3%.
What sets Leo & Loona apart is its commitment to meeting the needs of contemporary families. Today’s parents look for experiences that nurture creativity, self-confidence, and core values, more than just mere entertainment. The brand achieves this through thoughtfully crafted environments that include immersive educational zones and play concepts designed to enhance children’s emotional and social development.
“This launch signifies more than just a milestone for Leo & Loona in the GCC; it’s a declaration,” stated Elizaveta Rossiiskaia, the GCC manager for the brand. “Our concept is unique not only in Bahrain or the Gulf but on a global stage. Leo & Loona transcends being just a children’s entertainment venue; it is a project designed to cater to the needs of both children and their parents. Our parks serve as spaces for family bonding, allowing children to play and grow in a secure and enriching environment while offering parents a place to relax, enjoy quality food, and connect with others.”
“Each park is custom-designed with significant input from our leadership team, focusing on spatial planning and tailored play experiences,” Rossiiskaia added. “The quality, design, and diversity of our edutainment offerings are of the highest standards, and we frequently hear from visitors that they have not encountered anything like this elsewhere. Expanding into Bahrain is a proud step for us, and partnering with a developer who shares our commitment to community and top-notch standards makes it even more significant. We are eager to continue redefining modern family spaces, one venue at a time.”
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Leo & Loona’s swift ascent has garnered industry accolades. In 2025, it received the titles of Best Family Attraction in the Middle East and Best Family Destination in the UAE from the International Travel Awards—recognitions typically reserved for well-established brands. Furthermore, the Arabian Best of the Best Awards acknowledged Leo & Loona in the same categories, underlining its contribution to enhancing the edutainment landscape in the region.
As Bahrain marks its inaugural international launch, with plans for further expansions across the GCC, Leo & Loona is not merely growing; it is setting a new standard for the future of family entertainment in the Middle East.