Education at centre of Dubai entertainment expo

The Symposium, which promises delegates it will 'take operations, marketing and profits to a new level', will provide DEAL attendees with educational sessions, waterpark tours, networking receptions and a behind-the-scenes tour of Ski Dubai.

'This year's DEAL show offered us the unique opportunity to take our educational programme to an area of the world that we have wanted to serve more. Over the past few years, our park membership has grown in Dubai and the surrounding areas in the UAE, which makes a partnership with DEAL all the more attractive. By offering our programme in conjunction with DEAL, we are able to offer our attendees better value for the money,' said Aleatha Ezra, Director of Park Member Development, WWA.

The WWA Symposium will include keynote speeches from waterpark specialists from around the world. Topics up for discussion include 'Waterparks around the world', Choosing the right attraction mix', Themeing and design trends' and 'Sink or swim: staff development'.

The WWA Symposium, which takes place on 22-23 April, will also offer delegates the chance to get close to two of Dubai's leading tourism attractions. On April 22, delegates will be transported to Wild Wadi where they will be treated to a tour of the waterpark, followed by dinner. On April 23, delegates swap swimming trunks for winter woolies as they are treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of Ski Dubai before enjoying a networking dinner at the complex at Mall of the Emirates.

The Middle East is considered one of the most dynamic leisure markets worldwide, with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) tipping regional growth in leisure and tourism projects to reach $3 trillion over the next 20 years.

'You cannot read a business journal covering the leisure industry without hearing about new and exciting developments with the Middle East. Clearly, with projects like Dubailand and Atlantis The Palm, this market will continue its forward progress to becoming the leading entertainment destination for European, Asian and North American tourists. The money being invested in this region speaks for itself-it is unprecedented,' said WWA's Aleatha Ezra.

DEAL 2008 will welcome some 200 exhibitors, all showcasing the very latest in entertainment, amusement and leisure products. DEAL takes place from April 20-22 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition is open to trade only and admission is free.

DEAL shows have the support of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the premier international trade association representing permanently situated amusement facilities and the manufacturers and suppliers that serve them globally.

DEAL is also supported by the Amusement Industry Council of Europe, including Association Fabricantes Y Exp. Maquinas de la Foia de Bunyol, Associazone Nazionale Costruttori Attrezzature, Spettcoli Viaggianti; Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers of the UK; American Amusement Manufacturers Assocation); International Association for the Leisure & Entertainment; India Association of Amusement Parks & Industries; and the World Waterpark Association.