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6 interactive galleries over 2 floors!
I n a world where childhood can be dominated by screens and one-size-fits- all play spaces, OliOli® offers something refreshingly different – a place where imagination takes centre stage, curiosity is celebrated, and families reconnect through play. Founded by young parents who saw the need for enriching, hands-on experiences, OliOli® (meaning joy in Hawaiian) has grown into one of Dubai’s most inspiring destinations for children aged 1–11. Across six vibrant galleries and more than 40 interactive exhibits – from climbing through the gravity-defying Toshi’s Nets to experimenting in the Air Gallery – every corner invites exploration, learning, and laughter. In this exclusive interview for Education UAE, Co-Founder Asha Ramchandani shares the inspiration behind OliOli®, the guiding philosophies that shape its design, and how the museum is redefining play, learning, and family connection in the UAE. Education UAE: What inspired the creation of this children’s museum, and what is its mission? Asha: As young parents ourselves, we saw our children stuck between screens/
gadgets on the one hand and antiquated playgrounds on another. We felt a lack of spaces which provided families with an opportunity to bond together through play – and connect with each other, and spaces which encouraged hands-on non- judgmental play that give kids engaging, creative, and enriching alternatives to ‘passive play’. So, we started OliOli® (which means joy in the Hawaiian language) to bring the joy of curiosity, imagination and discovery (through play) to families. Our vision was to create a venue that resonated with the community who we seek to serve – including children, parents, educators, etc and add value to their lives through our efforts. Education UAE: Can you tell me about the different exhibits and interactive displays designed to engage children's curiosity and learning? Asha: OliOli® has six permanent galleries comprising of over 40 interactive and hands-on exhibits. These spaces have been curated to achieve the developmental and pedagogical objectives of the museum. The Air Gallery for example has 10 exhibits that allow kids to play with, experiment, and learn about the variety of scientific phenomenon. Toshi’s Nets is another popular gallery that seeks to encourage kids to undertake risky
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