Dream Aero is located on the ground floor within the large Dubai Festival City Mall which is near the Dubai Creek and Dubai International Airport. Unlike other simulators we have visited in shopping malls this one is situated in the middle of a central atrium and the prominent raised simulator and reception area form an impressive sight.
In terms of accessibility, Dubai Festival City Mall has plentiful parking and has good transport links. Additionally, the simulator benefits from being associated with a large mall and all the shopping, food and drink options that it contains.
A small reception desk and a seating area is located behind the simulator, where customers can wait. This area has a live video feed so spectators can watch and enjoy action from inside the simulator. A positive attribute we like seeing is a manned reception so there is always someone to welcome and help, especially when the instructors are busy – something that Dream Aero does well. There aren’t any dedicated briefing rooms as this process is completed in the seating area (the surrounding mall atmosphere wasn’t too distracting) or inside the simulator if time permits.
Generally, Dream Aero advise that customers need to be eight years or older, and we think that is sensible as younger children may not get as much out of the experience. The simulator has space for three people in addition to the instructor, which should cater for most circumstances; is also possible to watch a live video feed on the television in the seating area outside the simulator. If a recording of the simulator experience is desired, a go-pro video can be purchased for a small charge of AED 79 on a flash memory stuck. In any case, customers are encouraged to bring their own cameras and take as many photos and videos as they wish.
When considering customers with special needs or reduced mobility, Dream Aero will do their upmost to try and accommodate everyone. The mall is very accessible, but as it is necessary for a raised full motion simulator to have steps these could prove a challenge for some. However, because of the venue location it is easy for any prospective customers to come and have a look first to see whether this would be an issue.
Gift certificates may be purchased via the website and over the phone, and bookings can be made the same way. An additional advantage of being located in a mall is its accessibility and walk-in enquires and bookings are very welcome.
We consider the prices to be very reasonable for a full motion simulator of this quality, and Dream Aero also offer reduced rates for weekdays which are typically less busy. There are a number of promotions and discounts available to customers. The simulator attracts and caters for a mixture of customers including local Emiratis, expat residents, and also tourists. Options exist to fly more in-depth experiences and profiles with real world procedures backed up with instructors who are commercial pilots. With the nearby DXB airport and multiple local large airlines, the simulator attracts a significant amount of custom from professional aviators such as current pilots preparing for assessments and sim checks – Dream Aero boasts an impressive success rate for those who visit.
Each customer is given a briefing and a chance to discuss what they would like to do. Dream Aero are clear that these briefings are in addition to the time in the simulator, so if an hour is purchased, then the customer will be flying the simulator for the full hour – this is very much a positive in our view and not something all simulators offer. Dream Aero also ensure that time is available between bookings to allow for flexibility and overruns on the rare occasions there are problems.
Dream Aero are keen on asking for feedback on the day immediately after the session to ensure that they can learn directly from their customers’ experiences and continually improve what they offer. This shows a responsible approach to the simulation business and is very much to their credit.
