The international market for theme parks in the UAE was valued at Dh1.6 billion ($435 million) in 2014, a report said, adding that the market is expected to grow to over Dh3 billion ($816 million) by 2019.

The number of people visiting theme parks in the country is forecasted to grow to 11.4 million in 2019, said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of Dubai-based International Expo Consults, organisers of the 21-year-old Dubai Entertainment and Leisure Show (DEAL), quoting the Euro Monitor report.

Indoor theme parks or the Family Entertainment Centres (FEC) in the UAE has added to the growth of not only the entertainment sector, but also the retail sector in the UAE, he added.

During this summer residents and tourists can experience some of the best indoor entertainment concepts in the city and also across other Emirates in the UAE.

“Dubai is home to some of the best malls in the world. These malls have some fantastic entertainment zones embedded into their overall fabric. Kidzania and Sega republic in Dubai Mall, Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates and Fun City play zones in several other malls are all set to give the tourists a wide variety of indoor sporting adventure this summer,” Falaknaz said.

“Dubai will continue to lead this space. UAE residents and tourists are always in search for alternative ways to enjoy their summer indoors especially during the July to October period of the year.”

Mall of the World, the latest addition to Dubai’s retail, hospitality and leisure offering, is expected to further boost visitor numbers when it gets ready. The master plan includes wellness resorts, cultural theatres and an indoor park.

“Today indoor theme parks have a competitive advantage for mall owners as customers can be entertained regardless of the weather.

Therefore, indoor theme parks are here to stay as you are more likely to go to a mall every week than an outdoor park due to the region’s climatic conditions. Such entertainment zones have proved successful in all kinds of climatic conditions - from cold climates such as in Canada to hot rainy areas such as Central America to the hot and arid Middle East,” added Falaknaz.

During these months, visitors appreciate Dubai’s spectrum of indoor attractions, as well as the bargains they get from the retail industry. The demand has already led the shopping malls in UAE to increasingly focus on enhancing their entertainment facilities.

Malls are thus striving to bring in new leisure attractions each year to keep the customers engaged. Retailers on the other hand are leaving no stones unturned to transform shopping into an entertainment experience and thereby increase sales.

“Dubai’s indoor entertainment industry is currently making waves globally as it grows rapidly. The entertainment sector plays a vital role in the region’s tourism boost, especially in the hotter months where majority chooses to stay indoors. Indoor playgrounds, theme parks, ski parks, aquariums, as well as other attractions and retail bargains increase the region’s tourism receipt, therefore help grow the economy,”  added Sharif Rahman, CEO of International Expo Consults.

Another key factor that will boost the entertainment and amusement sector in the Middle East is Dubai’s EXPO2020 win, said Rahman.

“An estimated 25 million visitors are set to arrive in the country as a result of a successful bid, thus influencing tourism, trade, infrastructure and investment.

“Dubai also is an innovation hub for global indoor entertainment players. During this year’s DEAL event, we witnessed numerous innovations within the entertainment sector.

The 7D rides, simulators, snow machines, as well as other indoor entertainment games are set to redefine the entertainment landscape in the region.  We’re expecting to see more in the years to come as Dubai always aims to bring the best concepts in the world of entertainment,” concluded Rahman.

DEAL 2016 will run from April 11 to 13, 2016 at Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE. – TradeArabia News Service