Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure 2017 (Deal), the largest amusement and entertainment show in the Middle East was today officially inaugurated by Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, second vice-chairman of the Dubai World.

The show is poised to set standards for the attractions industry across the globe as it brings some of the best kept trade secrets in the amusement and leisure industry. The senior management from IEC and other international industry officials were also present during the inauguration of the 23rd anniversary edition of the show. IEC, the show organiser, is a subsidiary of Falak Holding, UAE’s multi-faceted business conglomerate.

The 23rd edition of Deal 2017 is the largest show 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 thousands of trade visitors. This three-day event will go on until March 29 at Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4 at World Trade Centre, Dubai.

With tourism contributing to the 8.5 per cent of its GDP by the end of 2016, the UAE is tremendously investing on infrastructure projects to welcome more and more visitors as per reports. Also the Dubai Expo 2020, for example, is expected to bring 25 million visitors, 70 per cent of whom will come from abroad. This is expected to boost visits to theme parks and retail malls encouraging the growth of FECs in UAE. With growing number of tourists, it is imperative for shows like Deal to be conducted and attract stakeholders across the region and the globe.

“Consumer preferences are gliding towards adrenalin-pumping rides, interactive games, 9D simulation games, 12D cinemas, redemption games and high-tech video games among others. Year 2017 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. Theme parks generate huge revenues and so do Family Entertainment Centre’s (FEC) which are key service anchors that support the many retail developments within the Middle East. It helps such developments to attract and register family footfall,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of International Expo Consults (IEC).

”UAE/GCC markets are characterised by strong growth. The region shows courage, a drive and an initiative which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. With high quality, Tema Design by MK Illumination is ready to support this development and contribute to the realization of the region's enormous potential,” said Lars Nielsen, Themed Attraction manager, Tema Design by MK-Illumination

The Deal show has shaped the region’s entertainment industry for the past two decades and it has brought together great minds and their world class innovations all under one umbrella. Foraying into the 23rd edition, Deal 2017 expects to witness an even larger gathering of key players and visitors in the amusement industry from Middle East, Africa, US, Mediterranean and Asian countries. - TradeArabia News Service