Middle East show receives global recognition

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) the only international association representing the world's leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences have announced their support for the Middle East Amusements, Attractions Parks, Leisure and Entertainment International Trade Exhibition (MEAAPLE) that is scheduled to take place from February 2 to 4 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

"TEA is pleased to see a new show for the Leisure and Entertainment market, in the United Arab Emirates," remarked Kevin Murphy, President TEA European and Middle East Division. "We have a growing membership in the region as well as many members working there and regularly travelling in from Europe and the USA, and MEAAPLE will provide a welcome venue for us to meet clients, other members and develop more business from the GCC and greater Middle East," he said.

"TEA is delighted to be supporting MEAAPLE with a stand for new and existing members, a mixer event and promoting MEAAPLE to our members worldwide, with special promotions and support," Mr. Murphy added.

TEA members bring the experience of engaging storytelling and entertainment to a vast number of restaurants, retail stores, museums, zoos, theme parks and an ever-growing list of destinations that aim to bring a higher level of visitor experiences world-wide.

The UAE with its dramatic pace of development is all set to dazzle the world with over 30 multi-faceted entertainment resorts and theme parks being built until 2012 with a projected investment of Dhs228bn ($62bn) according to UK's leading event organizer CMPi (part of United Business Media Limited).

Prominent among the theme parks currently under development in Abu Dhabi & Dubai include Warner Bros and Ferrari theme parks in the capital and Dubailand, a multi-billion enclave of 24 theme parks, four and a half times the size of Manhattan, that will be the Middle East's answer to Disneyworld. There will be Universal Studios' Universal City and a Marvel Entertainment theme park among others.

"MEAAPLE is a unique international trade event dedicated to the development, operation, management and maintenance of visitor attractions, theme parks, amusements and leisure and entertainment facilities across the Middle East," said Paul Grinnall, Show Director of MEAAPLE.

MEAAPLE offers the opportunity to influence, network, educate and build relationships with major developers, investors, stakeholders retailers, senior decision makers, operators, manufacturers and suppliers in the Middle East.

MEAAPLE has also received endorsement from the Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (RAAPA) which has around 280 member enterprises from the amusement industry.

MEAAPLE will provide a unique platform to further enhance and support the vision for attractions, amusements, theme parks and leisure and entertainment growth in the Middle East. There is demand from a wide spectrum of facilities including Culture & Arts, Heritage Villages, Theme Parks, Water Parks, Amusement Parks, Zoos & Wildlife Parks, Golf Courses, Family Entertainment Centres, Museums & Science Centres, Aquariums, Sports & Spa Clubs, Health & Fitness Clubs, Equestrian & Polo Clubs, Hotels & Resorts, Recreational & Leisure Parks, Retail & Shopping Malls and Cinemas & Multiplexes.