Spending on leisure and tourism projects in the Middle East would surpass Dh11 trillion ($2.9 trillion) over the next two decades opening up business avenues for amusement parks, attractions, theme parks and the entertainment and leisure segment, said an expert.

The anticipated revenues from these projects is poised to top Dh36 billion ($9.8 billion) at a growth rate of between 20 to 25 per cent.

Against the backdrop of these strong projections, UK’s leading event organizer CMPi has announced the launch of the Middle East Attractions, Amusements, Parks, Leisure and Entertainment International Trade Exhibition (Meaaple) scheduled to take place from November 17 to 18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

Meaaple is a unique international trade event dedicated to the development, operation, management and maintenance of amusements, attractions, theme parks and leisure and entertainment facilities across the Middle East.

“Visitor spending at parks and attractions is expected to quadruple to over Dh734 million by 2011 as the region’s markets are growing rapidly,” said CMPi group director, Chris Fountain.

“The region is experiencing one of the great economic booms and Meaaple is being launched to enable international companies to develop contacts and deliver business in this key growth market,” Fountain said.

The expo offers the opportunity to influence, network, educate and build relationships with major developers, investors, retailers, senior decision makers, operators, manufacturers and suppliers in the Middle East.

The event will be co-located with two focused facilities management and development exhibitions: Working Building Middle East and Fit Out Middle East.

This will enable key buyers from the development industry to source products and solutions for current and future projects in one visit, delivering you a targeted audience ready to do business.

There is demand from a wide spectrum of facilities including theme parks, water parks, amusement parks, zoos & wildlife parks, golf courses, family entertainment centres, museums & science centres, aquariums, sports & spa clubs, health & fitness clubs, culture & arts, heritage villages, equestrian & polo clubs, hotels & resorts, recreational & leisure parks, retail & shopping malls and cinemas & multiplexes.

Meaaple will provide a unique platform to further enhance and support the vision for attractions, amusements, theme parks and leisure and entertainment growth in the Middle East, Fountain added.-TradeArabia News Service