The Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure Show (DEAL) 2015 recorded more than Dh1.2 billion ($326.6 million) worth of signed contracts, said event organisers.

The DEAL show grew by 35 per cent over the previous year, as exhibitors signed contracts for innovative products and projects, amusement rides and other equipment, according to International Expo Consults (IEC), a branch of Falak Holding.

The show this year had ushered in more than 300 firms from across 33 countries and attracted 7,189 quality trade visitors apart from 64 new exhibitors. The numbers at the show prove the fact the amusement industry is growing at a fast and steady pace. Statistics indicate that the amusement and leisure industry is set to touch Dh118 billion ($32 billion) by 2017 as per the Global Industry Analyst report.

DEAL is Middle East’s gateway for all the participants and associates within the amusement and entertainment industry which can boost their growth and give them a smooth transition into the region’s market. DEAL 2016 is scheduled to be held between April 11 and 13, 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

“We are extremely delighted that majority of our exhibitors have signed significant contracts during the show. Many meetings and business contacts have been created and developed as exhibitors reached out to several visitors and trade partners at the show,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman, IEC.

“There has been a renewed zest in the industry and we are sure that the region will be witnessing state-of-the-art Family Entertainment Centres (FEC) due to the state-of-the-art products that were showcased at DEAL.

“DEAL 2015, in its 21st edition was the sole platform in the Middle East for exhibitors in the amusement and entertainment industry to connect with the buyers. This definitely is a platform for buyers to see and test the latest product offerings and services and for businesses to create a rapport and forge new contacts.

“There weren’t any shows in the past in the region that addressed the theme parks and amusement industry and we took the onus to nurture and evolve this show 21 years ago. As new faces approached us for larger spaces next year, we are confident that our exhibition will stand to benefit many as I wish to thank all our partners and exhibitors who have lend their trust and support throughout this journey,” added Falaknaz.

Apart from bringing attention to several innovations, DEAL 2015 projected cutting-edge inventions like much-anticipated - augmented reality games, 9D park rides, family entertainment centre equipment, among the endless array of ingenious modernizations presented. The advancement of these innovations sets a new benchmark within the Middle East and even the world’s entertainment sector.

The DEAL show has brought in innovators from various parts of the world such as Belgium, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, UK, France, Turkey, and the US, apart from several countries that come to the show every year.

The show witnessed a huge gathering of stakeholders within the amusement and entertainment sector with 63 new exhibitors from several new countries. – TradeArabia News Service