Educational games & learning toys can increase a child's IQ by up to 50 points

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This growth has stimulated a great demand for educational games and toys reported Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organizers of Middle East Toy Fair that is scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 31st to April 2nd this year.

'Apart from the number of kindergartens and play areas trebling in the past five years, available places for primary school education have grown by 37%,' said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. 'A rapidly growing population in the Gulf countries officially estimated to increase by one million every year presents a tremendous opportunity for toy makers, distributors, suppliers of school supplies and stationeries from around the world.'

'There is a big demand for educational toys and several exhibitors dealing in this category of toys have increased over the years to meet the demand,' said Monica Schulz Blank, Senior Show Manager of the Middle East Toy Fair.

'Changes in consumer attitudes about 'play and learning' have been a key driver of growth in the educational toys market, along with the growth related to the education sector, making it a very lucrative market for the toy industry.'

The best educational toys, according to child psychologists, are those that encourage the development of specific skills, as opposed to toys that present facts or simply claim to improve learning. The truth is that all experiences develop the brain. The key to cognitive educational toys is to develop a number of different skills that are ultimately used in complex ways later in life. 'Providing children with educational toys for their particular age group ensures they are offered positive stimulation for physical, emotional and social development,' remarked Ms Schulz Blank.

Ehab Debdeb, Director of Operations of Inostream Toys Gifts Trading, Abu Dhabi said: 'Conclusive studies dating back as early as the 1940s have proven that a child's IQ can be increased by more than 50 points through proper stimulation in the first six years of life. Educational games and learning toys are the most successful props used to enhance a child's developmental skills and yes, even IQ.' He added, 'The best toys let a child think, perform, problem solve and make things happen.'

Schools, nurseries and kindergartens are open to UAE residents of all nationalities and have an intake of 1,200 to 1,500 students per school and 120 to 200 per nursery and kindergarten. Major real estate developers are incorporating play areas and kindergartens in the new communities that are being developed around the region that is expected to result in a big boost in the number of these facilities in the UAE.

At the Middle East Toy Fair there will be a number of exhibitors specializing not only in educational toys but also in creating awareness of saving the environment such as Wild Republic, a leading provider of nature-themed products designed to spark a child's imagination and educate them about the wonders of the wild through creative play.

Innovative Kidz Trading / Kidz Inc is another exhibitor, bringing many big European and US based brands to the UAE and surroundings. Their toys, games and equipment, which feature many educational and developmental benefits, are suitable for individual use, as well as for schools and nurseries, due to their award winning quality and durability levels.

Learning Age International Co., Ltd is a professional designing and manufacturing company of children's educational toys. Their product range includes magnetic toys, wooden toys, paper toys, plastic toys, e-books and more.

Also exhibiting this year is Talimia, Edu Fun specialized in the field of educational equipment. The company provides a vast range educational aids, school furniture, and garden play equipment.

The Middle East Toy Fair is the first ever regional trade fair held every year at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year, the show will be held from March 31 to April 2, 2008. The fair is the Middle East's leading trade fair for toys, baby and pre-school products, games, hobbies, books, gifts, stationery, apparel and licensing.

The exhibitor categories at Middle East Toy Fair are: educational toys, learning products, board games and puzzles, plush and soft toys, dolls and action figures, radio controlled kits and cars, bicycles & sports equipment, baby & infant toys, baby clothes & accessories, baby & infant furniture, car seats, high chairs, strollers, stationery & back to school, books, school bags/ uniforms, party supplies/balloons/inflatables, paint & paint brushes/arts & crafts material, school furniture, kindergarten and playground equipment.