Theme parks in Dubai are set to generate close to US$5 billion by 2020 as the country aims to welcome close to 25 million tourists during that phase, according to organisers of Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure show (DEAL Show), the largest platform for the theme parks and amusement industry in the Middle East and Africa region.

'Theme park industry is scaling the growth trajectory in the UAE,' said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman, IEC and organiser of the DEAL Show. He further stated that the country is set to attract multibillion dollar revenues by 2017 through this sector.

"Entertainment and leisure projects within the UAE and across GCC have boosted the confidence of the amusement and leisure industry manifold. UAE is experiencing this exponential growth because of its quality infrastructure and growing tourism and retail industry sectors. Another key factor is that Dubai is also becoming the MICE capital of the world due to the yearlong calendar of trade events. This also brings in considerable amount of footfall as families merge business with leisure activities and that further propels the theme park industry", said Falaknaz.

Millions of tourists are set to flock theme parks in Dubai that are slated to open by the end of 2016. This is good news for amusement operators as they stand a chance to innovate and take the theme park industry to the next level apart from attracting more tourists.

"The leisure and attractions industry in this region is in a very good stage compared to other global markets. Several projects in this region are at different stages of development which should take shape in the next 2 years. As pioneers of this industry within GCC, we have a unique product which has worked successfully for nearly two decades – our biggest USP is that we have an original concept which appeals to the locals and GCC visitors, expat residents and international tourists," Ahmad Hussain bin Essa, Chief Operating Officer, Global Village.

The GCC is set to witness a boom in tourism as new projects and developments are being planned and in the execution phase to usher in more tourists than ever before. One of the examples include Oman's biggest indoor theme park - Majarat Oman which will be able to accommodate 2,500 to 3,000 visitors a day.

"The theme park industry in GCC is growing by leaps and bounds as more developments are taking place with a dedicated leisure and entertainment offering. Customers do visit the indoor theme parks more frequently as compared to the outdoor parks. The operators have revolutionised the industry by ensuring the best safety standards are adhered to and by offering more value to their customers. The industry in GCC emphasises more on the rides and attractions mix as compared to the redemption and novelty games and merchandise offered by the operators across the world," said Mr Mohammad Attia, GM, GCC - Al-Othaim Leisure.

Exhibitors at the DEAL 2015 show have signed contracts worth over Dh1.2 billion. The DEAL show grew by 35 percent over the previous year, as exhibitors signed contracts for innovative products and projects, amusement rides and other equipment. This was another industry growth indicator.

"DEAL 2016 will now have an exclusive amusement operators pavilion within the show dedicated to theme park ideas, concepts and solution across all aspects of the theme park experience. It's a holistic approach that we are adopting with this new pavilion. It would be an exciting period for the amusement operators as the industry aims to provide them with umpteen benefits to establish themselves in these parts of the world", said Mr Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.
Source: WAM