Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Known as the biggest UAE-based hobby shop, Otaku ME has recently opened a new branch at Al Ghurair Center in Dubai.

A representative of the shop exclusively told Arab News Japan that one of the main goals of the new branch is to “introduce the fun hobby to a wider net of new people, and the goal with the Al Ghurair Center branch was to make it very accessible to reach us via Dubai’s Union Metro Station just across the street, and to showcase some of the most popular and bestselling Gunpla and anime model kits to many fans that enjoy assembling and give an overall great impression and vision about the hobby.”

About the challenges that they have faced regarding opening the new branch in Al Ghurair Center, the representative said, “It was definitely a big step and a considerable move going forward. Our main challenge was being in a relatively busy area and introducing the hobby to many new faces who were largely unfamiliar with this type of hobby.”

The new Otaku ME branch isn’t as large as our main store in Times Square Center, so we have to be a lot more focused, so we had to be very selective about our items. Though our friendly and supportive team is always up to the challenge, it’s cool how many people take photos with the Gundam Statue right in front of our store daily,” the representative added. 

About the response and feedback from the visitors who came to the new branch in Al Ghurair Center, the representative said, “Overall, a good positive response. We’re expanding the hobby around Dubai, and for many, this makes it all the more accessible. The selection of model kits is fantastic, and we also do offer many great discounts, such as for students and people’s birthdays.”

Regarding Otaku ME upcoming projects and activities following the opening of their new branch in Al Ghurair Center, the representative said, “ With the feedback we’ve received, we’ll be adding in new collections and more affordable and promotional items, giving a good selection of options for a wider audience.”

Otaku ME was founded in 2013 by Qais Sedki, an Emirati with a passion for Gundam model kits.

The store also conducts workshops and mini competitions, as well as large annual contests, during which international professional modelers participate as judges.