The upcoming edition of Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) expo will have several  new attractions thus making the show even more pertinent to the region’s burgeoning amusements industry.

The expo will run from April 25 to 27 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Middle East and North Africa has nearly overtaken the US as a major centre for family entertainment, said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, president of show organisers, International Expo-Consults (IEC).

'The opening of more shopping malls, family entertainment centres (FECs), bowling lanes, theme parks and many more attractions all point to growing interest in entertainment for all,' he noted.

'This increased demand has translated into increased interest in DEAL and we expect more than 200 companies from 30 countries to be presenting their products and services with us again in 2010,' Falaknaz stated.

'This overwhelming success proves that the formula for DEAL works, but we believe in constant innovation of our shows and the 2010 expo will see the addition of new and improved elements for the benefit of both exhibitors and visitors,' he added.

Following on from the success of the inaugural DEAL seminar programme, hosted at this year’s show, next year’s event will see the seminar series double and cover a two-day workshop offering regional and international business insight.

According to him, the first-ever DEAL Seminar Programme attracted almost 180 delegates – more than 50 per cent higher than pre-registration figures had led us to expect.

'This proved to us that education was a prized component of the amusements industry and therefore we have decided to extend the seminar programme by one extra day in order to provide a wider base for education and discussion,” Falaknaz noted.

A new fast-track entry system is also being offered for exhibitors keen to lock in their DEAL participation before October 2009 and Early Bird discounts are being offered to these companies, he added.-TradeArabia News Service