The Business of Play: Loco Bear’s Vision and Scaling the GCC’s Entertainment Frontier
Loco Bear’s Mr. Patwari on strategy, innovation and GCC expansion in the evolving family entertainment industry
The global family entertainment sector is booming, fuelled by an increasing desire for shared, out-of-home activities and a younger, tech-savvy population with more disposable funds. This is especially evident in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is witnessing a significant transition in its leisure and entertainment environment.
Our guest today is a visionary leader at the vanguard of this transformation.
As the Director of Loco Bear, one of the most exciting new entrants in the UAE’s entertainment landscape, Mr. Pratik Patwari is reinventing what it means to provide a holistic, multigenerational entertainment experience.
Loco Bear officially opened its doors in 2024 in Al Quoz 2, Dubai, and has already begun redefining indoor entertainment in the region. Spanning an impressive 70,000 sq. ft., the park is home to a truly groundbreaking mix of attractions from the first glow-in-the-dark Slime Universe in the UAE to the high-octane Hyperbowl, ninja courses, VR arcades and more.
Mr. Patwari is here to talk about how the brand is creating not just attractions, but community-driven, memory-making destinations. We will discuss the strategic decisions, innovative tactics, and ambitious vision that are propelling Loco Bear's growth and helping to scale the entertainment frontier in the GCC.
Mr. Patwari,
Welcome to Business Lobbies!
Q.1. What inspired you to establish Loco Bear, and what gap did you find in the current market?
Mr. Patwari - Loco Bear was born out of a clear gap we noticed in Dubai’s entertainment scene. Many venues were either overwhelmingly chaotic or entirely focused on young children, leaving little room for families to truly connect. We saw that while families might share the same physical space, they weren’t sharing meaningful moments, often separated by screens or mismatched interests. That’s where Loco Bear comes in.
We set out to create a space that brings people together across generations, a place where kids, teens, parents, and even corporate groups can all find something to enjoy. With a thoughtful blend of excitement, comfort, and modern design, Loco Bear offers immersive, screen-free experiences that encourage real interaction, laughter, and memory-making for everyone.
Q.2. How has your own vision influenced the storytelling and identity of your brand?
Mr. Patwari - From the very beginning, our vision for Loco Bear went beyond simply building rides or attractions; we wanted to create shared experiences that truly bring people together. This guiding philosophy became the foundation of Loco Bear’s identity as a “full-day, multi-generational experience centre,” not just another arcade or play zone. Every element was designed with intention, from the thoughtfully curated activities that encourage real interaction to the hospitality-inspired spaces that make families and groups feel welcome and comfortable. It’s this focus on connection, design, and experience that sets Loco Bear apart in a crowded entertainment landscape
Q.3. With the UAE being saturated with family entertainment options, what were some of the initial challenges in establishing brand trust and consumer awareness in a crowded market?
Mr. Patwari - At Loco Bear, we set out to lead with innovation and a series of exciting firsts. From the UAE’s very first Hyper Bowling lanes to a Tactical Laser Tag Arena featuring multiple weapon styles like M16S, snipers, and shotguns, we’ve reimagined what immersive play can look like. We introduced the region’s first-ever Slime Park and added interactive trampolines that keep energy levels and smiles high. But beyond the thrill, each addition was driven by a deeper purpose: to pull families away from screens and into meaningful, real-world experiences. For us, it’s not just about fun, it’s about creating lasting, screen-free memories in a space that feels bold, fresh, and aspirational for every age
Q.4. What’s the creative and technological process behind designing such immersive attractions as the Hyperbowl and Slime Universe?
Mr. Patwari - Our Laser Tag arena is one of the most immersive experiences in the region, featuring multiple gun types that completely transform gameplay and strategy. It’s not just about shooting lasers; it’s about stepping into an action-packed, tactical adventure. Our Ninja Course takes it a step further, with a timed leaderboard that adds a competitive edge, motivating players to push their limits while having a blast. Across Loco Bear, we’ve harnessed technology not to replace physical play, but to elevate it. It’s all about finding that perfect balance where tech enhances movement, competition fuels connection, and every experience feels both exciting and meaningful.
Q.5. Are these experiences entirely proprietary, or do you collaborate with global tech and entertainment partners to bring them to life?
Mr. Patwari - While Loco Bear is built on pioneering, first-to-market concepts, we also collaborate with leading global partners to bring in specialized technology like our advanced tactical laser tag systems and interactive trampolines. But what truly sets us apart is how we curate and seamlessly integrate these elements into a unified, immersive experience. It’s not just about having cutting-edge attractions; it’s about how we bring them together in a way that feels cohesive, intentional, and distinctly Loco Bear.
Q.6. What insights have early visitor data and feedback provided on how UAE consumers interact with immersive entertainment?
Mr. Patwari - People aren’t just dropping by Loco Bear, they’re staying, and for much longer than expected. On average, guests spend 3 to 5 hours on-site, turning what was once a quick outing into a full-day experience. Families are planning their day around us, not just passing time. Kids are fully immersed in the games, young adults are drawn to the aesthetics and curated food offerings, and parents love that there's something enjoyable for them too. This isn’t a space just for children; it’s a thoughtfully designed experience centre that speaks to all ages, making everyone feel included, engaged, and entertained.
Q.7. Have you noticed any changes in consumer behaviour or preferences since opening?
Mr. Patwari - One of the most pleasant surprises has been the number of corporations choosing Loco Bear for team-building and group outings. What started as a family-first concept has organically evolved into a destination for professionals looking for something refreshingly different. Another unexpected insight? While we initially designed Loco Bear with local families in mind, we've seen a remarkable response from tourists. Families visiting Dubai are embracing the experience, and it’s clear the concept resonates far beyond our original audience. That shift has inspired us to think bigger, not just building for the city, but for the world that comes to experience it.
Q.8. Is your current model scalable across the GCC, or do you plan to tailor the concept to each market's unique cultural context?
Mr. Patwari - While our core values, connection, immersion, and accessibility, remain at the heart of everything we do, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. What resonates in Dubai may look different in Riyadh or Mumbai. As we plan for expansion, local adaptation is key. We’re committed to tailoring each location to reflect the culture and preferences of its audience, while staying true to Loco Bear’s signature experience: premium, inclusive, and designed to bring people together in meaningful, memorable ways.
Q.9. Are there already concrete plans for regional expansion, and which areas are you targeting first?
Mr. Patwari - Yes, we’re growing and quickly. Loco Bear is set to expand across three key regions: the GCC, the U.S., and India. Across all these markets, there’s a rising demand for indoor experiences that are not only premium in quality but also truly inclusive. It’s a space that’s been underserved, and Loco Bear is uniquely positioned to lead the way, offering thoughtfully designed, all-ages experiences that resonate globally while adapting locally.
Q.10. What role do you believe community-building will play in the long-term success of entertainment places like yours? How do you envision transforming your venue into a hub for shared experiences, return visits, and emotional connection?
Mr. Patwari - Entertainment venues today are so much more than just places to have fun; they’re becoming vibrant social hubs where people come together to connect, compete, and create lasting memories. Loco Bear’s success is built on this very idea: becoming a go-to destination for shared experiences, whether it’s families bonding, friends hanging out, or coworkers team-building. By creating moments that truly resonate, we encourage repeat visits and foster a genuine emotional connection with our guests.
Q.11. How do you see the future of indoor entertainment evolving over the next 5–10 years?
Mr. Patwari - The entertainment industry is evolving from basic play zones to rich, full-scale experience ecosystems. Today’s visitors are looking for more than just games; they want great food, thoughtful design, comfort, and a true sense of community. Loco Bear is at the forefront of this new wave, blending hospitality with play to create environments where people feel welcome to stay longer, enjoy more, and build deeper connections.
With this, we come to the end of this important and valuable interview. We thank Mr. Patwari for sharing his constructive and meticulous thoughts.
We wish him all the very best for all his future endeavours, a glorious future for Loco Bear and hope he continues to illuminate the paths of the gaming and entertainment industry.
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