Theme parks and fun centres to boom in Mid East, say trade show exhibitors

Buoyant industry forecasts have been put forward by a number of exhibitors including, Canada's Empex Watertoys, a specialist in interactive spray features.

It plans to use the show to help it break into the Middle East when they take part for the first time at the event.

"Regionwide we see a major increase in the trend for hotels and resorts to incorporate water playgrounds in their facilities. With the construction activity in this sector that is taking place in the UAE and Saudi Arabia we see TPFC 2004 as an important opportunity for us in this market," said Empex President, Wyeth Tracy.

Empex Watertoys has already had some success in the region, having carried out partnership work on the Al Mozel Project in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia with Westezh of Zurich, Switzerland and the Jumeirah Madinat Hotel Project with Desert Leisure, Dubai.

Also bullish about regional prospects is the UK's AI GROUP, which produces simulation products has an office in Lebanon. It's making its third TPFC appearance and Chief Executive, Nigel Brown, is confident of even more success this year.

"We have concluded a number of major business deals in the region in the past two years and we are returning to TPFC 2004 to broaden our sales within the region. With the amount of enquiries we are receiving from the Middle East we expect the growth to continue," he said.

TPFC 2004, which is organised by International Expo Consults (IEC), will run at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from April 27 to 29. The show, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, has, to date, contracted exhibitors from 25 countries.

Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, President of IEC, said: "With a steady stream of mega projects being unveiled throughout the region, the Middle East's theme parks sector is now literally worth billions. International suppliers are all now looking for a slice of the action and see TPFC as a forum from which to make market breakthroughs."

TPFC also has the support of the American Amusement Machines Association (AAMA), International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) and the Themed Entertainment Association.