Mattel gears up for a Middle East toy breakthrough

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Mattel Inc., the venerable toy maker known for its enduring brands, is poised to make a significant mark in the GCC region with the debut of its innovative Mattel Brick Shop™ brand. This launch, which builds on a successful global introduction, centers on a captivating collaboration with the iconic Hot Wheels® line, bringing together the thrill of die-cast vehicles and the creative joy of brick-building.

Beginning November 1, the collection will roll out across major toy retailers and e-commerce sites in the United Arab Emirates, offering enthusiasts a fresh avenue to engage with their passion for automotive design and customization.

Mattel Brick Shop

At its core, Mattel Brick Shop™ fuses the precision-engineered appeal of Hot Wheels® with Mattel’s deep-rooted expertise in crafting imaginative play experiences. Each building set in this lineup emphasizes meticulous accuracy in details and proportions, incorporating genuine metal components that elevate the construction process beyond traditional bricks.
Mattel Brick Shop
Collectors and builders alike will find ample opportunities for personalization, from interchangeable wheels and decals to unique design elements that allow them to reimagine their favorite vehicles. Moreover, every set comes bundled with an exclusive 1:64-scale die-cast Hot Wheels® car, ensuring that the finished build pairs seamlessly with a collectible counterpart available only through this series.

The inaugural Hot Wheels® collection under Mattel Brick Shop™ is thoughtfully segmented into three distinct series, each tailored to different levels of sophistication and age groups, thereby broadening its appeal to a wide spectrum of fans. The Hot Wheels™ Premium Series stands out as the pinnacle for discerning collectors, priced at 639 AED and recommended for ages 17 and older. Its flagship offering, the Mattel Brick Shop™ Hot Wheels™ Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, captures the legendary Gullwing doors in a striking 1:12 scale, complete with an opening mechanism, a metal Mercedes-Benz crest, and intricate interior accents, all accompanied by a matching 1:64 die-cast model for display.

For those seeking a balance of authenticity and hands-on creativity, the Hot Wheels™ Elite Series delivers at 269 AED, suitable for ages 10 and up. Highlights include the Corvette Grand Sport, with its low-slung profile, metallic exhaust pipes, and swappable parts for endless modifications; the ’90 Acura NSX, featuring pop-up headlights, functional steering, and interchangeable license plates to toggle between Acura and Honda variants; and the Custom ’62 Chevy® Pickup, evoking classic Americana through an exposed engine, adjustable suspension, and even a surfboard in the bed for that perfect cruising aesthetic.

Entry-level excitement arrives with the Hot Wheels™ Speed Series, accessible at just 99 AED and also geared toward ages 10 and up. This lineup invites thrill-seekers to assemble high-octane racers like the Cadillac® Project GTP Hypercar, boasting sleek aerodynamics, bold graphics, and opening doors; the Maserati MC20, where Italian elegance shines through butterfly doors and a visible motor, enhanced by custom decals; or the Custom ’68 Camaro, channeling muscle-car bravado with its wide stance, metallic pipes, and customizable flair.

Mattel One-day pop-up event at Yas Mall

To mark this regional premiere, Mattel has orchestrated a vibrant one-day pop-up event at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi on November 1, transforming the space into an interactive haven. Visitors can immerse themselves in hands-on build stations, interactive showcases that highlight the collection’s range, and photo opportunities designed to spark inspiration and shareable moments, fostering a sense of community among budding engineers and veteran collectors alike.

Looking to the horizon, Mattel Brick Shop™ shows no signs of slowing down, with ambitious expansions already in the pipeline. A recent partnership with quattro GmbH and Auto Union GmbH—subsidiaries of Audi AG—promises two new buildable sets for spring 2026: the Audi Avant RS2 in 1:32 scale and the Audi R8 LMS in 1:16 scale. These additions underscore Mattel’s commitment to elevating brick-based play into a premium pursuit of design excellence and automotive heritage, potentially redefining how families and fans worldwide approach collecting and creation.
Juan Manuel
the authorJuan Manuel
Track racing, competing, it's in my blood. It's part of me, it's part of my life; I have been doing it all my life and it stands out above everything else.