The theme park and amusement market across the globe is projected to generate revenues of almost Dh118 billion ($32.1 billion) by 2017, as per Global Industry Analysts, with remarkable growth expected in the Middle East as new projects are coming up in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman.

Showcasing the latest innovations from across the globe, the 23rd edition of Deal show (Dubai Entertainment, Amusement, and Leisure), hosted by International Expo Consults (IEC), will see cutting-edge inventions like the much-anticipated - augmented reality games, 9D park rides, 12D cinemas and family entertainment centre equipment, among the endless array of ingenious modernizations presented. The advancement of these innovations sets a new benchmark within the Middle East and even the world’s entertainment sector especially the indoor entertainment industry.

Currently being held at Hall 1, 2, 3 and 4 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the three-day event kicked off yesterday (March 27) and exhibitors witnessed a large number of local and regional trade visitors on the very first day of the show.

“Every year at the Deal show we showcase these amazing exhibitors. Each year, the expectations just keep getting higher and we’re happy to state that we were always able to meet those, thanks to the exhibitors and the visitors. Deal is Middle East’s portal for stakeholders within the amusement industry and this event can boost their growth and provide them a window to enter this region. The outdoor theme park industry in this region has matured and so has Family Entertainment Centres (FEC) which are a must have feature for every mega mall in this region. Some years back it was possible for a retail mall to have its operations without an entertainment centre but not now any longer,” said Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.

The organisers are of the opinion that Dubai with its plentiful offerings will continue to spearhead the region’s indoor entertainment industry.

“We are living an era of great acceleration and deep changes, for the whole global society. People of all ages are so much into new technologies, eager to get immersive experiences, to be the main protagonists of their social life. Whatever the field of business, each new project calls for a multidisciplinary approach. The key of success is pooling ideas and expertise from different branch of science, combining social and cultural aspects with the use of cutting edge technologies, receptiveness towards the most sensible themes like green environment, interactivity and social life among the others and providing new solutions, able to surprise and satisfy the client’s need for something new, extraordinary, sensational and unique,” Loris Darsie, EOS owner and CEO, stated during Deal 2017.

“We believe that UAE and the GCC region successfully established this area as a hub for all kinds of tourism activities, including amusement parks. But we still see some growing potential. The key differentiators that the UAE theme parks have over the others is that large FEC’s in UAE are blazing the trail for the whole industry. The most advanced technology, the best storytelling, top facilities – all this sets a new benchmark for the industry. FEC’s and large malls go together – we see this in the UAE. But maybe decentralized attractions – closer to the shops and not “locked” in a FEC - could also add some bonus points to a shopping experience. Beside a new ride named Sundancer, suitable for installations outdoors and indoors, we are also showing our approach to transport rafts and tubes in waterparks,” Georg Dobler, Sales and Product Management at Sunkid, said during Deal 2017.

Indoor centres ideally houses more than 25,000 square feet are with elements that are bound to attract to bring the families together with their children to these outlets. These indoor centres encompasses latest family entertainment centre equipments, video games, redemption games and other innovative offerings to hold the young children spell bound.

“Industry experts are of the view that shopping malls in the UAE are more focusing on enhancing their entertainment facilities as more and more visitors are increasingly stopping over retail malls for entertainment rather than shopping. Malls are striving to bring in new leisure attractions but they should also understand that they should enhance their existing entertainment offerings rather than getting something new. Many consumers would come to a mall for varied reasons including family entertainment and sightseeing. Retailers on the other hand are leaving no stone unturned to turn shopping into an entertainment experience and thereby increasing sales.” added Rahman.

2017 seems to be promising for the retail and entertainment industry as operations in the leisure and amusement sector have registered an exponential growth in revenue in the current year. FECs are the main strong pillars that would be supporting the retail operations and developments within the Middle East and is pegged to grow at a fast pace in 2017 and beyond. Malls with FECs have registered a considerable hike in earnings in the last few months which is mainly due to the influx of tourists from other regions. FECs form the crux of the retail industry on a wider scale as without the fusion of FECs within retail malls, the whole retail sector would have been just another stand-alone retail sector. – TradeArabia News Service