The 17th edition of the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) exhibition opened today (March 4) at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Inaugurated by Hussain Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, DEAL 2011 will run up to April 6.

The trade show, which brings together industry leading brands, local suppliers and attractions and theme park managers, will see a number of new-to-market brands being launched into the Middle East this week, along with news on the latest developments in the world of entertainment.

“DEAL offers up three days of intense business negotiations, and due to the nature of the industry it also offers three days of fun and entertainment,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC), organiser of DEAL.

“We have an eclectic array of attractions and entertainment options on the show floor and urge anyone related to the amusements industry to come along and see what it is all about – you won’t leave disappointed,” he added.

Companies from more than 30 different countries are present at the show this week, offering a diverse array of amusement and entertainment products.

ASEM from Turkey, a provider of entertainment acts such as dance groups, music groups, circus acts, and special shows, is looking to expand its reach across the Middle East, said its general manager.

“We are already working in Gulf countries such as Qatar and the UAE. We believe that there is a chance to find more business in this region and we can reach this market through the DEAL exhibition,” said Mustafa Cakar.

Guzzi Eugenio from Italy is another entertainments provider. The company is returning to DEAL for the eighth consecutive year. “We’ve become a landmark exhibitor for customers who are looking for high quality and original entertainment products,” said Emanuele Guzzi, sales manager, Guzzi Eugenio.

At present, 50 per cent of the company’s business is from the Middle East; however, Guzzi is confident that, now the recession is over in Dubai, more business is out there, he added.

“There are many new shopping malls and theme parks opening all around the Middle East. With the end of the crisis, great orders will set the economic restart,” Guzzi said.
Germany’s HUSS Park Attractions is attending DEAL to showcase its innovative products.

“The Middle East is a market for the future, with strong development in the tourism and entertainment industries. This is true despite the recent financial crisis. Dubai is still at the forefront of visions and development plans, which makes this place so interesting,” said Michael Hesse, vice president, director sales, HUSS Park Attractions.

DEAL 2011 will welcome some major names such as Amusement Services International (ASI), Falgas Industries, Rainbow Productions, Zamperla Middle East and Warehouse of Games.

Brand names on display will include SEGA, Triotech, Magnetic Cash, Simuline and Cogan. In total, more than 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries are participating. – TradeArabia News Service