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The Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) show, the largest amusement and entertainment show in Middle East, has been opened.

The 18th edition of the exhibition, is being held for three days from 17th April at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It has become the Middle East's annual focal point for all stakeholders in the amusement and related industries looking for a successful entry or greater growth in the region's markets.

With 200 firms from across 30 countries exhibiting, the show also expects to attract over 5,000 trade visitors. These include key players and visitors representing the amusement industry from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, US, Mediterranean and Asian countries.

According to a research by US based Global Industry Analysts Inc. (GIA) the worldwide market for theme parks is forecast to reach US$31.8 billion by the year 2017. As per the report, growth will primarily be driven by increased consumer per capita spending on entertainment and leisure platforms, and growing base of middle class households, increasing disposable incomes, urbanization in developing countries, and waxing popularity of mass entertainment.

Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President of DEAL organiser International Expo Consults (IEC) explains "we have reached another landmark as we inaugurate the 18th edition of the show.

"I would like to thank all our exhibitors and partners who have supported and trusted us throughout this journey. We grew organically and today it has become one of the largest platforms in the Middle East for entertainment and leisure industry. The show has generated sales amounting to millions of dollars for exhibitors during the last year and we are expecting this year to be another record breaking event.

"The entertainment and amusement industry is growing worldwide and in the Middle East. We are expecting approximately 18-20% growth within the industry this year which is a remarkable rate of growth.

"Our show was completely sold out several months prior to the event and that is a great indication that the industry was not impacted by the regional or the global situation."

DEAL is the only platform in the Middle East for exhibitors in these industries to connect with buyers, for buyers to see and test the latest products and services, and for professionals to share best practice and make new contacts. IEC is aiming to propel the region's theme parks industry through this show and thereby enabling the exhibitors and the consumers capture the potential of this billion dollar industry.

IEC Chief Executive Sharif Rahman adds "the amusement and theme parks industry will grow in the years to come. As mentioned the key reason for that is this region doesn't have the luxury of being outdoors throughout the year. Family Entertainment Centres (FEC) are growing as this is a part of a mall where people go to shop and dine and also take their family to the entertainment activities which are all available within the mall at a fraction of the cost. People want something different and interesting to spend their time and money on. Through DEAL we aim to address all these aspects of the industry and aim to provide a platform for the exhibitors and customers.

"As an exhibitor, this is their best opportunity of the year to showcase quality equipments and services to thousands of potential buyers at a single venue. This year again, there are several innovative solutions that are being showcased at the show."

For more information go to www.themeparksdubai.com

6th December 2011 - DEAL 2012 PROVIDES A GATEWAY TO THE MIDDLE EAST’S MULTI-BILLION THEME PARKS INDUSTRY

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