Where to Buy the Dubai Monopoly Board Game

A new version of the popular board game features Dubai's most well-known landmarks

Posted on

10 November 2019

| Last updated on 15 March 2021

by Rebecca Roberts

Credit: Supplied (L) / Antonie Robertson, The National (R)

Dubai is the first city in the Middle East to have its own version of Monopoly...

Following the initial announcement in early October and the game's official launch on November 5, Monopoly: Dubai Edition has become one of the most sought-after board games ahead of the holiday season.

This new version, which features Dubai's biggest and most historic landmarks, is the first Monopoly version that features a Middle Eastern city... It's also the first to include a mix of landmarks, areas and even a school. Traditionally, Monopoly games include only street names or areas. In fact, the only road to be included is Sheikh Zayed Road.

Unsurprisingly, the top spot on the board game is the Burj Al Arab, valued at 400 Monopoly Money.

Next comes Bluewaters Island, followed by popular attractions like Burj Khalifa, Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Marina and Madinat Jumeirah. Mall of the Emirates, Festival City, Al Seef, Global Village, Dubai Opera, Dubai Frame, Dubai Miracle Garden, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, City Walk, La Mer, and Al Fahidi also feature.

Besides the emirate's most popular attractions, the board also includes Dubai International Airport, the RTA's Dubai Taxi and Dubai Bus.

Interestingly, Nord Anglia International Dubai School is also included, alongside Xclusive Yachts.

"Dubai is a mesmerising place ... it has a real 'can do' thing about it," Tom Liddell, chief executive of toy manufacturer Winning Moves, said at the game's launch at Burj Al Arab, according to The National. He also explained how the game had been in the works for four years.

"Eventually, we agreed who should be top of the board, although there was some squabbling here and there, I’m sure," he added of the more prestigious spaces on the board.

Monopoly: Dubai Edition was official unveiled at a gala event, with Mr. Moneybags, in attendance.

Where to buy Monopoly: Dubai Edition

Buy yours now: AED 139, Amazon.ae

The game is available to buy at toy shops, book shops, but if you simply can't wait until your next visit to the mall, the board game is currently available on Amazon.ae for AED 139.

The history of Monopoly

The history of Monopoly can be traced back to 1903 when American anti-monopolist Lizzie Magie created a game that aimed to explain the single tax theory of political economist, Henry George.

Nevertheless, it wasn't until 1935 that the modern version of Monopoly - a board game whose players buy and sell properties, develop them with houses and hotels, and collect rent from opponents until they go bankrupt - was developed from this idea by the Parker Brothers.

Ever since dozens of customised editions have been created, some inspired by TV shows like Game of Thrones and F.R.I.E.N.D.S., to musical icons like The Beatles. In terms of cities, there are over 100 city editions, including South Africa's Durban, Dublin in Ireland, Leon in France, Poland's Krakow and Australia's Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr. Monopoly - also known as Rich Uncle Pennybags - is the game's mascot, and is know n for his recognisable appearance.