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Last year the Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) show celebrated its 30th anniversary. This year the event returns as the latest edition looks to maintain its momentum following on from the landmark show
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Jan 2025
DEAL continues to act as a key meeting point for the Middle East and Africa attractions markets Credit: DEAL
Last year the Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) show celebrated its 30th anniversary. This year the event returns as the latest edition looks to maintain its momentum following on from the landmark show.
Running now for more than three decades, DEAL has been instrumental in propelling the FEC, theme park and amusement sectors within the MENA region.
Taking place once again at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this year’s show will feature a combination of offerings from areas including virtual reality, arcades, redemption games, amusement rides, soft toys, inflatables and themed entertainment.
With the 2024 edition of the event making history with a record 10,375 visitors and a record 300 exhibitors, DEAL 2025 is aiming to exceed those figures once again when the show arrives this coming April.
“DEAL is more than just an exhibition; it’s a platform that has driven the evolution of entertainment in this region,” said Abdulrahman Falaknaz, president of DEAL’s organisers, International Expo-Consults.
“The Middle East and African markets are currently experiencing a surge in demand for entertainment and leisure infrastructure, driven by visionary projects and a growing appetite for world-class experiences. DEAL 2025 will embody the spirit of this growth, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand.”
According to its organisers, long-term participation in DEAL from US exhibitors such as ICE Entertainment has been a key highlight of the event’s legacy, with the continued appearances from such companies setting benchmarks and inspiring the local market.
In addition to innovations on the show floor, concurrent with the DEAL event, visitors can also attend MENALAC’s Leisure, Entertainment, and Attractions Conference, which returns for its eighth edition.
DEAL also takes place in a region that is currently a rapidly growing market for attractions and wider leisure industries. In the Middle East and Africa, government-backed initiatives are fuelling multi-billion-dollar investments in theme parks, FECs, and other amusement projects, with Saudi Arabia a particular global hotspot for such investments.
A young population within MEA is a significant driver for increased demand for leisure options, while efforts to draw tourists internationally through spectacular leisure offerings are also having a significant impact.
This year’s event will host more than 300 exhibitors from over 40 countries, with attendees visiting from across the globe representing 112 different nationalities.
“DEAL is the gateway to one of the most promising entertainment markets in the world, said Falkanaz. “Whether you’re a startup looking to mark an impact or an established player seeking to expand your reach, DEAL offers a perfect platform to achieve your goals.”
This year’s DEAL takes place from April 8th-9th at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE. To register for the event, click here
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