With several more big projects announced in recent weeks, all eyes are back on Dubai as the emirate forges ahead with plans to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Against this backdrop, organisers of DEAL 2008 (Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure) are hoping for a bustling show this April.
DEAL is an excellent platform to launch into Middle East where industry growth for leisure and recreation is forecast at a whopping 20-25% annually,” says a spokesperson for International Expo Consults (IEC), the Dubai-based show organiser.
The forthcoming event will be the 14th edition of what used to be the Theme Parks & Fun Centers (TPFC) show and be the largest showcase of leisure, amusement and entertainment equipment in the United Arab Emirates and surrounding region.
According to IEC, over 180 companies from 31 countries participated in last year’s event and attendance was up by 20% to nearly 5,000. Around 60% of those visitors were senior decision-makers.
Information on this year’s show was sketchy at the time of writing, but potential visitors should be warned that education sessions and social events are usually limited. However, Dubai is a great place to visit and the proliferation of entertainment projects ongoing throughout the UAE as a whole make it a worthwhile consideration for any attraction operator if they can find the time.
DEAL 2008 takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22 to 24.
