INTERVIEW // Meet the founder of Boo boo laAnd // Dubai’s Magical Indoor Wonderland for Kids

With a background spanning luxury retail, fashion merchandising and experiential design, Aliesha Brar Malik wasn't always destined to be the founder of one of Dubai's most popular children's entertainment experiences – until she became a mum.

We sat down with Aliesha to hear about her vision for Boo Boo Laand and what inspires her to keep creating magical moments for families.

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You’ve said Boo Boo Laand was inspired by your children – how did motherhood shape the original idea, and what kind of world did you want to create for them?

 The idea for Boo Boo Laand came directly from becoming a parent. Once I had my first child, I became very aware of what was missing in the market – especially in a city like Dubai, where experiences are world-class and premium in every other category. I realised there was a gap when it came to children’s spaces. I wanted to create a place that truly felt like a dream world for kids – somewhere they could walk in and immediately feel a sense of wonder and excitement. Boo Boo Laand was designed to feel like stepping into a different world, where imagination leads and children feel completely immersed.

Boo Boo Laand is often described as a storytelling-led play destination rather than a traditional play area. Why was that important to you?

From the beginning, I wanted Boo Boo Laand to feel like a wonderland rather than just a play space. Growing up, I remember watching cartoons where characters would enter these magical worlds and just stand there in awe — that wowmoment stayed with me. When I was creating Boo Boo Laand, my goal was for every child to walk in and feel that same sense of amazement. The storytelling element comes from designing spaces that spark imagination and invite children to explore freely, rather than just moving from one activity to another.

As a fashion entrepreneur and creative director, how has your background influenced the look, feel, and premium positioning of Boo Boo Laand?

Coming from retail and fashion, I’ve always believed that design should be immersive and emotionally driven. I wanted Boo Boo Laand to feel less like a play area and more like a beautifully imagined world. The architecture is sculptural – you see soft curves, layered forms, and a very deliberate flow through the space, almost like walking through a fantasy installation.

The colour palette is playful yet controlled – pastels balanced with richer tones, high-gloss finishes paired with softer textures. Elements like the central BBL Tree act as statement pieces, much like an iconic installation in a luxury retail space. It anchors the environment and immediately creates a sense of wonder and scale.

Every detail was designed to feel intentional – from the ceiling features to the rounded doorways and interactive pods. Nothing is accidental. I wanted children to feel surrounded by imagination, while parents recognise the craftsmanship, quality, and thought behind it. That balance between fantasy and refinement is what defines Boo Boo Laand’s premium positioning.

You’re building a fast-growing, female-founded brand while raising two children – what does balancing leadership, creativity, and motherhood look like for you in reality?

For me, it really started with becoming a parent – that’s what changed everything.

Motherhood gave me clarity and purpose, and that naturally carried into how I lead and create. I don’t look at it as a perfect balance, because it isn’t. Some days are very focused on the business, and some days are completely about my children. I’ve learned to be comfortable with that shift.

What motherhood has given me is intuition. It’s made me more aware, more patient, and more intentional in my decisions. Boo Boo Laand itself was born from that space – from observing my children, understanding what they need, and translating that into something meaningful. In many ways, my creativity and leadership come directly from my role as a mother, rather than competing with it

What can we look forward to at Boo Boo Laand in 2026? 

2026 is a very exciting year for Boo Boo Laand. We’re expanding thoughtfully across key markets, with new locations opening in Riyadh, Mumbai, and Abu Dhabi, alongside an extension of our existing Boo Boo Laand at Dubai Mall. Each location is being designed individually, while staying true to our core philosophy of immersive storytelling, considered design, and meaningful play.

Every new Boo Boo Laand will feel immersive, beautifully detailed, and culturally nuanced – a destination rather than simply a play space. As we grow, our commitment remains the same: to create environments where imagination is elevated, play is meaningful, and families experience something truly exceptional.

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For more information, visit: booboolaand.com