Deal 2015, a leading amusement industry show in the Middle East, was officially inaugurated by director-general of Dubai Municipality Hussain Nasser Lootah, with senior management from International Expo Consults (IEC) and other international industry officials present today.

The 21st edition of Deal is the largest showcase compared to the previous editions as many new exhibitors joined the show. This year, the show welcomed over 300 exhibitors from across 33 countries and is set to attract more than 7,000 trade visitors. This three-day event will go on until April 16 at ‘The Arena’ and ‘Sheikh Saeed Hall 1’, World Trade Centre in Dubai.

“Exhibitors get the chance to debut their new games, meet existing and new customers and discuss new opportunities. Deal is the only platform in the Middle East for exhibitors in these industries to connect with the buyers. This is an ideal platform for buyers to see and test the latest products and services and for professionals to share best practices and make new contacts. Latest family entertainment centre equipment, video games, redemption games, kiddie rides, prize machines and many other innovative offerings will be unveiled during the show. Visitors get to see and get a feel of the latest state-of-the-art offerings and services showcased by exhibitors from across the globe. Basically the new products launched and offerings in the pipeline which have intrigued the visitors have kept them come back for more,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of International Expo Consults.

Several upcoming projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the region will trigger a remarkable growth within this sector.  As per reports GCC retail sales are expected to grow at a 7.3 per cent CAGR between 2013 and 2018 to reach $284.5 billion.

 “Consumer preferences are gliding towards adrenalin-pumping rides, interactive games, 9D simulation games, redemption games and high-tech video games among others. Year 2015 looks promising for our industry as most amusement operations have registered a growth in revenue and footfall year on year. We are confident that the amusement industry in the region is heading in the right direction. Family Entertainment Centre’s (FEC) are key service anchors that support the many retail developments within the Middle East. It helps such developments to attract and register family footfall. Consumers can today make their retail purchases from their smart devices. However, the key differentiator that drives people to the brick and mortar retail stores is not just the product but also the integrated ‘leisure and entertainment facilities’ within a mall or any large indoor retail environment,” said Sharif Rahman, CEO, International Expo Consults.

The Deal 2015 show has brought in innovators from various parts of the world such as Belgium, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Germany, 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