DEAL 2016 creates a dedicated pavilion for amusement operators to support the theme park industry in the UAE and across the region

Dubai, UAE, June 28th, 2015

Theme park industry is scaling the growth trajectory in the UAE according to Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman, IEC and organiser of the DEAL Show. He further stated that the country is set to attract multibillion dollar revenues by 2017 through this sector. Theme parks in Dubai are set to generate close to US$5 billion by 2020 as the country aims to welcome close to 25 million tourists during that phase. DEAL which stands for Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure show is the largest platform for the theme parks and amusement industry in the Middle East and Africa region.

"Entertainment and leisure projects within the UAE and across GCC have boosted the confidence of the amusement and leisure industry manifold. UAE is experiencing this exponential growth because of its quality infrastructure and growing tourism and retail industry sectors.  Another key factor is that Dubai is also becoming the MICE capital of the world due to the yearlong calendar of trade events.  This also brings in considerable amount of footfall as families merge business with leisure activities and that further propels the theme park industry", said Falaknaz.

Millions of tourists are set to flock theme parks in Dubai that are slated to open by the end of 2016. This is good news for amusement operators as they stand a chance to innovate and take the theme park industry to the next level apart from attracting more tourists. White Water, which has supplied the rides for Aquaventure Waterpark at 'Atlantis The Palm' in Dubai and most of the ones at Abu Dhabi's Yas Waterworld, will deliver a river rapids ride for the Motiongate theme park, which is scheduled to open in Dubai in October 2016.

"The leisure and attractions industry in this region is in a very good stage compared to other global markets. Several projects in this region are at different stages of development which should take shape in the next 2 years. As pioneers of this industry within GCC, we have a unique product which has worked successfully for nearly two decades - our biggest USP is that we have an original concept which appeals to the locals and GCC visitors, expat residents and international tourists," Ahmad Hussain bin Essa, Chief Operating Officer, Global Village.

The GCC is set to witness a boom in tourism as new projects and developments are being planned and in the execution phase to usher in more tourists than ever before. One of the examples include Oman's biggest indoor theme park - Majarat Oman which will be able to accommodate 2,500 to 3,000 visitors a day.

"The theme park industry in GCC is growing by leaps and bounds as more developments are taking place with a dedicated leisure and entertainment offering. Customers do visit the indoor theme parks more frequently as compared to the outdoor parks. The operators have revolutionized the industry by ensuring the best safety standards are adhered to and by offering more value to their customers. The industry in GCC emphasizes more on the rides and attractions mix as compared to the redemption and novelty games and merchandise offered by the operators across the world," said Mr. Mohammad Attia, GM, GCC - Al-Othaim Leisure.

Exhibitors at the DEAL 2015 show have signed contracts worth over AED1.2 billion. The DEAL show grew by 35 percent over the previous year, as exhibitors signed contracts for innovative products and projects, amusement rides and other equipment. This was another industry growth indicator.

"DEAL 2016 will now have an exclusive amusement operators pavilion within the show dedicated to theme park ideas, concepts and solution across all aspects of the theme park experience. It's a holistic approach that we are adopting with this new pavilion. It would be an exciting period for the amusement operators as the industry aims to provide them with umpteen benefits to establish themselves in these parts of the world", said Mr. Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.

-Ends- 

About International Expo-Consults (IEC):
International Expo-Consults LLC (IEC) is an internationally recognized trade show management company with an impressive track record of over 21 years of operations in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region. The Exhibition arm of the Dubai-based conglomerate, the Falak Holding; IEC is the organiser of key exhibitions including Sign and Graphics Imaging (SGI), and the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure show (DEAL). Falak Holding has been an industry pioneer for the last 33 years having diversified business interests including real estate development; retail - sports, fashion, home furnishings; exhibitions, medical diagnostics, trading and many more as part of its portfolio. Falak Holding is also a key stakeholder and investor in the prestigious Dubai Sports City project. For more information on DEAL please log on to www.dealmiddleeastshow.com.

For further information please contact:
Prem A. Ramachandran
Managing Director
White Water Public Relations
GSM:0097150-4537253
PO. Box 18936, Dubai, UAE
Email: prem@whitewaterpr.com                                                                                                                    
Website:  www.whitewaterpr.com

© Press Release 2015