The operators of theme parks and family entertainment centres who will focus on the educational and interactive aspect of the amusement industry will register solid growth over the coming years, said an expert.

The rise of ‘eduplay’ or educational play theme parks reflects international stakeholders’ interest in the Middle East’s entertainment and retail industry, stated Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, the chairman of International Expo Consults (IEC), the organiser of the upcoming Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) Show.

The industry’s biggest and most successful trade show outside of the US, Deal will be held from April 19 to 21 at Dubai World Trade Center.

According to Falaknaz, DEAL 2015 saw contract signings by exhibitors worth over Dh1.2 billion, which is almost a 50 per cent increase compared to the show in 2013.

The event will see companies showcase the latest innovations and concepts in theme parks and family entertainment centres (FECs).

The rise of edutainment zones like Menopolis, Kidzania, Doha’s Kidzmondo, Dubai Dolphinarium and Mattel! Play Town is in line with the region’s vision to transform itself into a sought-after family tourism destination, said Falaknaz.

“There is a huge demand for creative edutainment theme parks and FECs in the region. The eduplay concept is one of the most effective ways to educate today’s young generations or the digital natives as they are referred to now," he stated.

These amusement parks challenge the critical thinking of kids, enhances their creativity and skills with these educational play experiences, he added.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the current and upcoming UAE amusement tourist destinations is set to attract about 18 million theme park visits in the next five years.

Latest edutainment-focused theme park concepts, products and services would be displayed at the upcoming event.

“Another way of building a sustainable business is to offer a diverse array of attractions and entertainment so that each zone contains a broad mix of interactive rides that appeal to guests of all ages and interests. Offering an original and unique experience is of utmost importance,” said Lennard Otto, the chief executive of IMG World of Adventure.

“Edutainment parks offer activities that are reality-based, educational, and interactive. Incorporated with artistic, athletic, literature, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities, these theme park and FECs deliver an educational and immersive experience through sensory play,” said Sharif Rahman, the chief executive of IEC.

"At Minopolis, we offer them real-life experiences, including cooking food, earning money and so on. For example, we teach them banking as well as what goes into flying an aircraft. We let them have fun with interactive activities,” remarked Mishal Al Hokair, the deputy CEO of Al-Hokair.

Minopolis, a joint venture between Al-Hokair Group and an Austrian company, is an edutainment concept that explores a child’s imagination, helps acquire language skills, build social skills, problem solving, understand someone else's perspective, learn essential life skills from adults, discover leadership skills, safely explore the real world and acquire sense of self-confidence.-TradeArabia News Service