Dubai to host biggest attractions event in the Middle East

The organisers of this year's Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure show (DEAL) aim to create the largest ever showcase of world class family entertainment products when the event is staged in April.

DEAL has grown to become one of the most effective 'launch-pads' in the Middle East for all stakeholders within the amusement, attraction and related industries, according to International Expo Consults (IEC), the event organisers.

The show which is almost sold out, is scheduled to be held between 8th to 10th April at The Arena Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Dubai, UAE.

IEC Chairman Abdul Rahman Falaknaz explained "GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) countries are currently on an overdrive and they are creating some of the biggest family entertainment centres in the region. The demand is on an upswing and there are several opportunities to be tapped in the North Africa and the Far East Asia region as well.

"The exhibitors at DEAL 2014 will benefit immensely as the country plans to invest several billion dollars in the theme parks and amusement sector. This is a great opportunity to blend into the fabric of the country's themeparks and leisure industry and the early movers will surely stand to benefit in the long run.

"We have observed that there is a renewed energy in the industry and it is on an exponential growth path especially after UAE's Expo 2020 win. The region will soon witness state-of-the-art amusement and entertainment experience as a result of the innovative products that will be showcased at DEAL 2014."

Falaknaz added that the Mena countries are gearing towards 'retail entertainment' where a large retail entity supports an entertainment zone that includes not just rides but cinema, food and beverages.

Consumer preferences are gliding towards adrenalin-pumping rides, interactive games, 7D simulation games, redemption games and high-tech video games among others.

Falaknaz continued "DEAL 2014 will see the introduction of many new products, including revolutionary release of new software, mobile devices, new hardware and outstanding web services. We are investing heavily in research and development, to take the card systems to a new level."

Embed International, a leading provider of advanced card systems, has been part of the DEAL show since the opening of its Dubai office in 2008.

Embed EMEA and Asia Pacific Sales Director Andrea Bisi explained "Embed strongly believed in the development of UAE's entertainment market, and unlike any other card system providers, we have directly invested and positioned resources on site.

"Today we have over 10 people working from Dubai office for service, support, sales, installation, training and administration."

Embed is part of the Perth-based LAI Group, which includes game manufacturer LAI Games, as well as Timezone, one of the largest FEC chains in the world with over 230 centers in seven different countries.

Exhibitors at last year's show signed contracts worth several million dollars and the show grew by 19% over the previous year. The show welcomed 272 firms from across 33 countries and attracted 5,753 quality trade visitors.

For more information on DEAL go to

http://www.dealmiddleeastshow.com/2014/