‘DEAL 2014' aims to create history as it aims to attracts key exhibitors from across the globe

60% of the show is already sold out due to the exponential investment opportunities in UAE and the region

Dubai, UAE, October 30th, 2013: International Expo Consults (IEC) aims to create the largest ever showcase of world class family entertainment products at DEAL 2014. The show has grown to become one of the most effective ‘launch-pads' in the Middle East for all stakeholders within the amusement and related industries. DEAL 2014 is scheduled to be held between the 8th and 10th of April, 2014 and the venue will be ‘The Arena Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Dubai, UAE.

“We believe that Dubai is very close to winning the EXPO2020 bid and the economy is aptly poised, to create a mark for itself on the global arena. Exhibitors at DEAL 2014 will benefit immensely as the country plans to invest several billion dollars in the themeparks and amusement sector. This is a great opportunity to blend into the fabric of the country's themeparks industry and the early movers will surely stand to benefit in the long run. We have observed that there is a renewed energy in the industry and it is on an exponential growth path. The region will soon witness state-of-the-art amusement and entertainment experience as a result of the innovative products that will be showcased at DEAL 2014,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman, IEC.

The global industry's growth is serious business and the world market for these themeparks is expected to reach $31.8 billion (Dh116.8 billion) by 2017, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. The Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Latin America are poised to see the biggest growth rates during this period as per the report. The GCC countries are currently on an overdrive and they are creating some of the biggest family entertainment centres in the region. The demand is on an upswing and there are several opportunities to be tapped in the North Africa and the Far East Asia region as well.

The countries in the Middle East and North Africa region are gearing towards ‘retail entertainment' where a large retail entity supports an entertainment zone that includes not just rides but cinema, food and beverages. Consumer preferences are gliding towards adrenalin-pumping rides, interactive games, 7D simulation games, redemption games and high-tech video games among others.

The newly-renovated Jungle Zone theme park in Hyatt Plaza in Qatar is expected to attract not only residents of Qatar, but also families from GCC and other Middle East countries.

The entertainment facility has new attractions, amusement centres, play areas and rides for children and adults. These include The Nest Area, which has rides suitable for children aged 2-5 years. Besides, there are several activities such as arts and crafts, modelling and colouring zone. Another one is ‘The Valley' for those aged 6-12 years. It has rides ensuring a higher adrenaline rush, including candy bouncers, splash falls and Funcano coasters.

“The DEAL show in Dubai is our gateway for projects in the region. For next year's show, we are planning to launch a new material we're calling Polyte, which is more eco-friendly and less costly than regular resin. It is light weight and is just as strong as resin. This material we are developing is also fire retardant, making it suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. The material is in the testing stage right now and we're targeting to launch the material by the next DEAL show in Dubai,” said John Swartebroeckx, CEO of Themebuilders Phils., Inc.

“We have been participating at DEAL for over five years. We recognize the UAE as the entertainment hub of the region and we expect growth in development of aquatic facilities to compliment the revival of the overall development in the region. Water Technology Inc. plans to solidify its commitment in the Middle Eastern market by highlighting its recent strategic move by opening an office in Dubai. We will focus on our services for aquatic design, engineering and project management for resorts, hotels, high-end villas in addition to indoor and outdoor waterparks. Overall the show had good traffic and leads. However, the highlight for us was the opening of Yas Waterworld two months before DEAL. Given that we were the aquatic designers of the waterpark, we were able to leverage our participation in the show while enhancing our customer base and highlighting our services provided for the project,” said Camille Pearson, Water Technology INC. (USA).

“The DEAL Show has grown bigger every year. We have been part of the show since 1998 and since then we have been here every year and it's been 15 long years that we have been at the show. We will be here next here again with even more innovative line-up of products like the ‘Freestyler 6x2 passengers',” said Stefano Moser, Owner, Moser Rides, Italy.

Exhibitors at this year's show signed contracts worth several million dollars and the show grew by 19 percent over the previous year. The show this year welcomed 272 firms from across 33 countries and attracted 5753 quality trade visitors.