Qatar will play an important role in the global billion-dollar theme park and amusement industry, according to Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman, International Expo Consults (IEC).

“Qatar is well prepared to be crowned as a fun destination in the Mena (The Middle East and North Africa) region, with commercial establishments and state-of-the-art-infrastructure.

“The country has metamorphosed itself into a truly global hub for tourism over the years, with visitors not only from the Mena but worldwide.

“Tourists are attracted to the country’s state-of-the-art retail and hospitality sector,” said Falaknaz, organiser of the DEAL Middle East show (Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure Show).

Highly innovative and creative theme park concepts in Qatar will be one of the key factors that will attract and drive millions of tourists and local residents to these entertainment destinations such as Qatar’s much talked about project — Angry Bird World.

“As the part of the Family Entertainment Complex (FEC), Doha Festival City will unveil a theme park — Angry Bird World which is slated to open next year.

The Angry Birds World will carve a niche for Doha as the first Angry Birds theme park to open in the Middle East. The theme park will house 35 state-of-the-art attractions with indoor and outdoor spaces.

“A decade ago, the entertainment landscape was different. However, there has been a paradigm shift and we have witnessed a giant leap within the theme park and amusement industry marketplace.

“We are setting an example for others to follow. As a theme park industry exhibition organiser for over two decades, we have seen the industry grow in stages. However, the last five years have seen an exponential growth and it will continue to keep up the momentum in the coming years,” said Falaknaz.

Internationally recognised events such as Dubai Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 will further boost the tourism sector in the region.

This growth, correlated to the rise of theme parks and retail visits, will renew enthusiasm in the amusement and theme park industry in the region.

In its 23rd edition, DEAL 2017 expects to witness a larger gathering of key players and visitors in the amusement industry from the Middle East, Africa, the US, Mediterranean and Asian countries.

“The residents and tourists are also increasingly focusing on FECs and other indoor attraction concepts that are blended well within a retail establishment.

“The family entertainment zone operators are constantly looking at attracting more visitors and repeat customers through these FECs. Therefore, innovation is important and that is the primary aspect that we address through our DEAL show,” said Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.

Entertainment and leisure projects within the GCC have boosted the confidence of the amusement and leisure industry manifold.

DEAL has shaped the region’s entertainment industry for the last 22 years and has brought together great minds and their world-class innovations under one umbrella.

Exhibitors from across the globe bring in the latest concepts from across the globe year-on-year and this helps FEC operator to keep up with the industry’s demands and remain profitable,” said Rahman.

Since its inception in 1995, DEAL has developed into an unparalleled platform that gathers exhibitors, buyers and professionals from the international amusement and entertainment industry.

Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, DEAL is the region’s most anticipated and leading attraction for global and local stakeholders in the amusement and entertainment industries.

Source: The Peninsula