The Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure show (DEAL) has sold out 65 per cent five months prior to the event, said event organisers.

International Expo Consults (IEC), organisers of DEAL 2015 show also stated that the region is set to capitalise on the current entertainment and amusement opportunities and has the potential to command a major share of the multi-billion dollar amusement industry.

As per Global Industry Analysts, the theme park and amusement market across the globe is projected to generate revenues of almost Dh118 billion ($32 billion) by 2017.

As per other published reports, the UAE amusement business generated revenue in excess of Dh1.1 billion ($299 million) in 2012. Several new projects are coming up in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman and the region is set to witness a remarkable growth in the entertainment sector in the near future, said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of IEC.

“The industry registered a revenue growth of 7 percent in 2013 and we believe that it will maintain the momentum through the next four to five years,” said Falaknaz.

“Indoor entertainment centres in the UAE and across the region encompass latest family entertainment centre (FEC) equipment, video games, redemption games and other innovative game-zones to entertain the young audience.

“Due to our climatic conditions we cannot afford to have outdoor theme parks around the year as in the other parts of the world. However, with the advent of state-of-the-art indoor FEC’s, people can enjoy the facilities throughout the year, regardless of the climate. Malls in the region are now embedded with the latest FECs and DEAL serves as a platform to further grow the sector each year,’ he added.

DEAL caters to the amusement industry sector and is helping Dubai and the greater Middle East region to grow into a ‘fun destination’. The mega event will showcase its 21st edition from April 14 to 16 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

From a coin-op amusement and ticket redemption perspective, DEAL is now acclaimed as the second largest show in the world. The show grew by 25 per cent last year where contracts worth over $272 million were signed.

“DEAL 2015 has already attracted exhibitors from the US, the UK, Italy and other European countries,” explained Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.

“World renowned exhibitors at DEAL 2015 include Artec Group and Intercard  from the US; Eurogames , Fabbri Group, Ferretti International, Sartori Rides from Italy; The Juice Films, United Distributing Company from the UK; and several other countries across the globe. All exhibitors are gearing up to showcase their best and innovative products for the Middle Eastern market.

“The upcoming entertainment and leisure projects within the region and especially in the UAE have boosted the confidence of the amusement and leisure industry. We believe that the industry will grow further in the coming years and will set an example for other global markets to follow. We are seeing an encouraging response this year for our show as compared to the previous years and we believe that this trend is set to continue further,” added Rahman. – TradeArabia News Service