FECs in malls to boost Asian retail sector in 2013

The organisers of the Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) predict that Family Entertainment Centres (FECs) will play a vital role in supporting the retail sector in the Arabian Gulf region over the coming years.

Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of DEAL organizers International Expo Consults (IEC) explains "in the Middle East and we know that due to the climate we cannot have outdoor theme parks throughout 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.

"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."

IEC, a division of United Arab Emirate's multi-faceted business conglomerate - Falak Holding, is the organiser of DEAL 2013, the largest show for the attraction, amusement and theme parks industry in the Middle East.

Globally, the show ranks only second in scale to the IAAPA Attractions Expo in the USA.

For 2013, IEC is expecting over 250 exhibitors from across 33 countries and over 7,000 trade visitors to DEAL 2013, which is being held from 23rd to 25th April at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

DEAL 2013 is the region's annual focal point for all stakeholders in the amusement, attractions, theme parks and related industries looking for a successful entry or greater growth in the region.

Last year's show generated a record number of exhibitors and visitors, and led to signed contracts worth over US$220 million for equipment, rides and other innovative products and projects. With most attendees 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.

Falaknaz states "in the Middle East we know that due to the climate we cannot have outdoor theme parks throughout the year as in other parts of the world (so) 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.

"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."

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.

IEC Chief Executive Sharif Rahman adds "this year looks promising for our industry as most amusement operations have registered a growth in revenue and footfall year on year (and) 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 fac

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