Contracts worth over US$220 million were signed at the show last year

Dubai, March 23rd, 2013: International Expo Consults (IEC), a division of UAE's multi-faceted business conglomerate - Falak Holding, states that 'Family Entertainment Centres' (FEC) will play a vital role in supporting the retail sector in the region. IEC is the organiser of DEAL 2013 (Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure' show), the largest show for the themeparks and amusement industry in the Middle East. DEAL show has grown exponentially and the show ranks second only to IAAPA.  The company is expecting over 250 exhibitors from across 33 countries and the 2013 edition of the show also expects to attract over 7000 trade visitors. Exhibitors last year have signed contracts worth over US$220 million. These contracts were for all the equipments, rides and other innovative products and projects that were being rolled out during the course of the year. 

'DEAL 2013' is the region's annual focal point for all stakeholders in the amusement and related industries looking for a successful entry or greater growth in the region. The event is scheduled to take place from April 23-25, at The Arena, Dubai World Trade Centre. With last year's show generating a record number of exhibitors and visitors, and most of them pledging to return, DEAL 2013 is expected to witness an even larger gathering of key players and visitors in the amusement industry from Europe, US, Middle East, African, Mediterranean and Asian countries among other geographies.

 Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of IEC stated that, "We are in the Middle East and we know that due to the climate we cannot have outdoor theme parks through-out the year as in other parts of the world. We have to be logical in our approach and take into account cost benefits and feasibility analysis. We have to create facilities indoors for a 365-day approach so that people can enjoy the facilities throughout the year, regardless of climate," said Falaknaz.  

"Leisure in general is an important component of malls: it brings families and their kids together. The trend is towards "the new age retail entertainment" where a large retail entity supports an entertainment zone that includes not just rides but cinemas, food and beverages among other forms of entertainment," added Mr. Falaknaz.

DEAL 2012 welcomed several of the amusement industry's leaders, with regional and global names such as Amusement Services International (ASI), Warehouse of Games, Zamperla, Moser Rides, PRO-FAB, Brunswick, EOS Rides, Polin Waterparks and Pool Systems and Rainbow Productions among several other industry leaders from across the globe.

"This year looks promising for our industry as most amusement operations have registered a growth in revenue and footfall year on year. We are confident that the amusement industry in the region is heading in the right direction. FEC's are key service anchors that support the many retail developments within the Middle East. It helps such developments to attract and register family footfall. Consumers can today make their retail purchases from their smart devices. However, the key differentiator that drives people to the brick and mortar retail stores is not just the product but also the other leisure & entertainment facilities within a mall," said Mr.Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC. "Some of the malls with the FECs have recorded a substantial increase in earnings in the last few months. The reason for this surge in earnings is due to the influx of tourists from other regions and also the volatility in other markets. We foresee the industry to grow at a rapid pace in 2013 and beyond. The FECs will perform even better during the next few quarters due to the change in the climate and forthcoming vacation season. FEC's actually complement the retail industry to a large extent and without FEC's the whole retail puzzle is largely incomplete. There are several new projects coming up in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman and the region is set to witness a remarkable growth in the entertainment sector in the near future," added Mr. Rahman.

"Ages 2-12 are the biggest spenders on the entertainment segment but the past couple of years have seen a strong emergence of the market between the ages of 14 and 21. Industry experts said indoor entertainment was the best performing segment in the amusement parks market. Indoor theme parks are here to stay. You can go to an outdoor theme park about twice a year, but you're more likely to go to the mall every week and therefore the indoor theme park will grow at a phenomenal rate in the near future," concluded Mr.Rahman.

About International Expo-Consults (IEC):
International Expo-Consults (IEC) is an internationally recognized trade show management company with an impressive track record of 17 years of operations in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region. The Exhibition arm of the Dubai-based conglomerate, the Falak Holding; IEC is the organiser of key exhibitions including Sign and Graphics Imaging (SGI), and Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL). Dubai-based conglomerate, Falak Holding has been an industry pioneer for the last 30 years having diversified business interests including real estate development; retail - sports, fashion, home furnishings; exhibitions, medical diagnostics, trading and many more as part of its portfolio. Falak Holding is also a key stakeholder and investor in the prestigious Dubai Sports City project. For more information on DEAL please log on to www.themeparksdubai.com.

For further information please contact:
Prem A. Ramachandran
Managing Director
White Water Public Relations
GSM:0097150-4537253
PO. Box 18936, Dubai, UAE
Email: prem@whitewaterpr.com   
www.whitewaterpr.com

© Press Release 2013