Europeans eye Mid East amusement sector

The Bremen-based private company designs and engineers giant rides as well as manufacturing them at its own facility and won a Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) award in the US for its Giant Top Spin ride last year.

It produces swing rides that go more than 130 feet into the air.

HUSS's Christian Grabietz, said: "We think that there are big projects coming up in the Middle East over the coming years, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia as people are enjoying their holidays more within the region rather than going abroad."

TPFC 2004, which runs from April 27 - 29 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, is organised by International Expo Consults (IEC), and is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Intamin Transportation / Ride Trade International from Liechtenstein, which manufactures roller coasters, free fall rides and monorail systems are attending the event for the fourth time.

Intamin Vice President, Sascha Czibulka, said: "We believe the Middle East has potential for expansion and we are here to get higher awareness about our products into the region."

More than 110 exhibitors from around the world have signed up for this year's show.

Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, President of IEC, said: "The continuing growth in the theme park and fun centre market in the region is reflected in the fact that we have exhibitors from 25 countries from as far a field as Argentina and Australia coming to the show."

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