Fifteenth edition of Entertainment Expo proves success

"It's great to see the show last so long. Fifteen years is really a great mark and shows how solid this exhibition is. Deal is a mirror for what the region has been doing over the past 15 years," said Alain Baldacci, President, Interplay Parks Brazill, and former Chairman of the Board of IAAPA.

"The show has played an important role in the culture of amusement parks in the Middle East. When I was Chairman of IAAPA in 2002 we understood the importance of this show and this region. It is a pleasure to see that our efforts have been compensated by steady growth and evolution of the show and the market."

Deal 2009 is promoting 200 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing the very latest in rides, games and play equipment; water facilities; audiovisual and theatre equipment; and decorations.

Malaysia's Sim Leisure believes there is great potential for its products in the Middle East.

"This is a market where we feel the clients have a genuine appreciation for the quality of our work, so we continue to exhibit in this region due to this,"

said Roy Brattinga, International Business Development Manager, Sim Leisure Consultants Sdn Bhd

Sim Leisure is currently working on the Bahrain City Centre Wahoo water park which is based on top of a shopping mall for Majid All Futtaim. The company also designed, built and still operates the Lost Paradise of Dilmun water park also in Bahrain.

"In our opinion there is still more to achieve in this region. We have only seen the beginning. In terms of theme and water parks, many companies believe that a Disney or Universal will continue to reap rewards. But maybe this area has already saturated and it is time to have a new concept that will not only entertain, but educate people at the same time," Brattinga added.

Italy's Fabbri Group returns to Deal confident that the three-day show will reap rewards.

"We have exhibited every year since year 2000 in Dubai. For the Fabbri Group the Middle East represents an important resource and a window on Asia for many of our products. Being well-known in the region testifies how important this market is for us," said Michele Colombari, Sales Manager, Fabbri Group.

"Despite the current economical downturn, the amusement and leisure industry in the Middle East is growing faster than expected and will be more important in the near future."

Local firms are also enjoying success at this year's Deal.

"We are a Dubai-based company and therefore it is a must for us to be present. We know that the show will be a success, as it brings along a great number of visitors from the UAE and abroad," said Olivier Lorge, Managing Director, F.E.C. International.

F.E.C International currently has five projects under development, including an indoor family entertainment centre (FEC) for Kidoos Entertainment in Abu Dhabi. The company is also fitting out an indoor FEC for Kurdi Group in Mecca Mall in Jordan, and has developments across India too.

"There are numerous entertainment projects in the pipeline and I am sure the next five years will show a great amount of projects coming to reality across the Middle East," Lorge added.

Substantial industry support for Deal is given by the Amusement Industry Council of Europe, including Association Fabricantes Y Exp. Maquinas de la Foia de Bunyol (Spain) Associazone Nazionale Costruttori Attrezzature, Spettcoli Viaggianti (Italy); Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers of the UK; American Amusement Manufacturers Association); International Association for the Leisure & Entertainment Industries; India Association of Amusement Parks & Industries; and the World Water Park Association.