GCC is currently experiencing a boom in the amusement industry, as Dubai’s theme parks expect to generate close to $5 billion in revenue by 2020, making it a hotspot for investors, stakeholders associated with this industry.

The UAE can further look to become a global leader within the industry by adopting the ‘franchise business model’ to replicate its success in other parts of the globe, according to organisers of Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure show (DEAL 2016), a leading platform for the amusement and entertainment industry.

International Expo Consults (IEC), organisers of Deal 2016, will soon unveil the ‘Amusement Operator and Franchise Showcase’, which aims at laying a strong foundation for all the stakeholders in the amusement franchising and licensing businesses.

 “This is a great business opportunity for the players in this industry and has a tremendous business potential. The Deal show is a global platform to showcase one’s brand and also aims to attract more investors, real estate developers, franchisees, among other local and international stakeholders to the event,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of IEC and organiser of the Deal show

“The exhibitors within this new pavilion can explore other global markets to enter or look for expansion opportunities in the GCC markets through brand franchising, licensing and joint ventures. Through this event, participants can acquire new distribution and retail channels so that they can increase their customer base and thereby grow their business,” he said.

Deal, which saw contracts worth over Dh1.2 billion signed at the show last year, is considered as the most important amusement industry exhibition outside the US as it attracts various visitors from all over the world. Around 52 per cent of the global visitors are from the top level management who are capable of making on the spot decisions on the behalf of their company and 38 per cent are second-tier decision makers.

“The exhibitor profiles at Deal are quite impressive and will include amusement rides, consultants, entertainment companies, high-tech equipment and effects, food and beverage, hotels and resorts, event production, among others,” Falaknaz said.

DEAL 2016 will be held from April 19 to 21, 2016 at Zabeel Halls 4, 5 and 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. – TradeArabia News Service