AusLeisure

Water attractions look set to remain popular leisure options in the Middle East as more suppliers look to enter the market.

Water was just one of the themes flowing through the recent Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) exhibition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Companies from across the world descended upon the emirate to showcase the very latest in aquatic attractions and services.

DEAL organiser Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC) explains "water attractions continue to prove popular across the Middle East. With DEAL taking place at the same time as the World Waterpark Association's Annual Middle East Symposium we have seen a steady increase in water related exhibitors at the show."

Van Egdom B.V, the Dutch manufacturer of water leisure attractions, returned to DEAL to showcase its latest water park developments worldwide.

Van Egdom Sales Manager Simon van Dijk explains "our range of products cover all ages for every water facility: from themed toddler pools to signature water slides, water playgrounds to water rides. The Middle East market is very diverse, and we believe that we can contribute in delivering unique set ups for water leisure attractions."

Van Egdom displayed two new water park rides at DEAL:

• X-Stream: A new sensational slide, which can be installed at any water facility. A trap-door mechanism gives the user an almost vertical start, giving a sensational speed experience.
• Camel Back: This unique water coaster is installed at Alpensia700 in South Korea. An interactive conveyer system sends a two-person raft up to the next section of the water ride. The Camel Back at Alpensia700 is extended to more than 150 metres.

Van Egdom is currently working on a number of projects in the Middle East and North Africa, including water playgrounds in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and projects in Egypt and Tunisia.

Aquatic accessories manufacturer Neptune-Benson used DEAL to launch its UAE operations and its Defender Filter.

Neptune Benson Vice President - Sales Bob Hawken stated "this is our third time exhibiting at DEAL and each time has proved to be very successful for Neptune-Benson. Exposure to key markets like the UAE has been important in the global growth of our Defender Filter. We currently have more than 500 filters installed in 40 countries around the world."

The company is launching Defender UAE, based in Abu Dhabi, with local dealer and distributor Daly Fluid Technologies.

Neptune-Benson is currently involved in the Jebel Hafeet Whitewater Rafting and Surf Pool Project at Al Ain. The company has also worked on the Yas Island Welcome Centre Fountain, Wild Wadi Waterpark and Atlantis The Palm Dubai.

Hawken adds "we really see an upturn in the region long term, that's why we have launched Defender UAE."

US-based aquatic planning, design and engineering firm Water Technology returned to DEAL once again to exhibit its services to the Middle East market.

Water Technology Inc. Business Development Manager Toni Nigrelli, highlights "Water Technology Inc believes the future of the region's leisure industry is promising. The influx of people working in the Middle East, along with the continuous international events that attract tourists - such as F1, Dubai World Cup, concerts and trade shows - makes the leisure industry a vital compliment and support for these events.

Currently, Water Technology is involved in projects in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

DEAL 2011 welcomed some of the amusement industry's leaders, with regional and global names such as Amusement Services International (ASI), Falgas Industries, Rainbow Productions, Zamperla Middle East and Warehouse of Games.

Substantial industry support for DEAL is given by the Amusement Industry Council of Europe, including Association Fabricantes Y Exp. Maquinas de la Foia de Bunyol (Spain) Associazone Nazionale Costruttori Attrezzature, Spettcoli Viaggianti (Italy); Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers of the UK; American Amusement Manufacturers Association); International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; India Association of Amusement Parks & Industries; and the World Water Park Association.

For more information go to www.themeparksdubai.com

Images: The Jebel Hafeet Whitewater Rafting and Surf Pool Project at Al Ain (top) and Dubai's Wild Wadi waterpark (below).

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