Entertainment, Amusement, Leisure industry in for a big 'DEAL 2006'

In step with the growth and the boom of Dubai the event is set to attract a number of international players to the ever growing robust Amusement / Theme parks, Leisure industry in the Middle East.

Now in its 12th year the show has grown in size and reputation, billed as the largest of its kind in the Middle East the show organized by International Expo Consults LLC - Dubai and is supported by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) and American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA).

The show is attracting companies from 25 countries from all over the world, and is projected to be almost 20% larger than last year. Preston & Barbieri from Italy is one such company who are manufacturers of theme parks and specialty rides. With projects in the USA, Europe, South Africa and China the company is looking forward to displaying their products at the show. Other exhibitors from across the world are eagerly waiting to grab a slice of the huge market offered by this industry in the Pan-Arab region.

Scaling new heights in the amusement & entertainment business Dubai has already created ripples across the world with the launch of projects like Ski Dubai, a number of projects announced that are being developed in Dubailand and in various malls now under construction. The Middle East as the region itself has numerous projects in the pipeline make it the favorite destination and market for manufacturers, suppliers and consultants in the business of this industry. Within the 14 countries of the Middle East, there is collectively over 70 million square feet of shopping centre retail space. The UAE, is becoming the most over-retailed country in the region, many anchored by European hypermarkets that attract record footfall into these malls offering huge opportunity for the fun and theme centers within these malls.

Dubailand, however, marks a quantum leap forward in sheer size. The completed project will span 2 billion sq. ft. (180 million sq. m.), or about 45,900 acres (18,360 hectares). That huge swath of land equals almost the entirety of all of the fully developed land thus far in Dubai,

The design contains 45 'main projects' and 200 sub-projects, The main projects will include Arabian Theme Park (an equestrian center); Aviation World; Dinosaur World; Motor Racing World; Pharaohs' Theme Park, and Snow World (an indoor ski-slope), as well as The Mall of Arabia. Not to mention other Dubailand components that include the largest zoo in the Middle East; a sports complex; several new five-star hotels (including one built among desert dunes); an artificial rain forest under a huge glass dome; a modern art gallery, and a water amusement park. In short, Dubailand could be unlike anything the world's seen.

Mr. Abdul Rehman Falaknaz - President, International Expo Consults LLC, reviewing the growth was impressed with the international response to the event

'The International business response to the event is in proportion to the growth witnessed by the UAE in the last few years. The tremendous progress made by Dubai is reflected in the response that we have had from various international manufacturers. The entertainment and amusement industry is a very important part of the tourism development efforts of the DTCM and the government. With the tourism industry set to achieve the 15 million mark, the industry will through up huge opportunities for theme parks and amusement parks to meet the influx of leisure tourism into the UAE.'

'Growth in the Amusement, Entertainment, Recreation and Leisure industry is estimate at over US$ 10 billion, not including land and construction cost, and is projected to be growing at an annual rate of 27% in the Pan-Arab region, The event is a Perfect business platform to network & tap the numerous business development opportunities for the industry. We have also organised Free Industry focused Seminars & Sessions to encourage B2B networking at the event'., added Mr. Falaknaz.

Jane Cooper the immediate chairperson of International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), who visited the show last year was appreciative of the participation by its members. IAAPA, has been supporting and promoting the event among its members worldwide. Now in its 12th edition DEAL 2006 is the only International B2B event in its category for the MENA markets. With 15 million tourists projected to visit Dubai by the year 2010, the importance of DEAL as an industry platform for the Amusement & Leisure Industry is bound to go up by leaps & bounds. The tourism sector's already accounts for 20% of Dubai's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

DEAL 2006 is being held at the Dubai international Exhibition centre from the 10th to the 12th of April 2006 and will be open to trade visitors only between 10 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm daily.