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DEAL celebrated its 30th edition with a record-breaking show that saw more people than ever visit the regional meeting point. Here's what happened:
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Apr 2024
A record number of visitors were in attendance at this year’s landmark DEAL event Credit: DEAL
Dubai saw the return of a landmark event last month, with DEAL - the Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure show - celebrating its 30th anniversary.
A landmark in terms of its edition, the 2024 event also made history with a record 10,375 visitors from 75-plus countries visiting the show. Not only did the event break its attendance record, but it also welcomed 300 exhibitors with a record high for new exhibitors at this year’s event.
“DEAL stands as a beacon for the amusement industry in the Middle East and Africa region,” said Abdulrahman Falaknaz, president of International Expo-Consults, which operates the show.
“This year, we have proudly orchestrated an environment where leaders of the entertainment industry have come together to shape the future of entertainment.”
According to its organisers, DEAL has been instrumental in propelling the FEC, theme park and amusement sectors within the MENA region, with this year’s event featuring a combination of virtual reality, arcades, redemption games, amusement rides, soft toys, inflatables and themed entertainment. In addition to innovations on the show floor, concurrent with the DEAL event, visitors also took in MENALAC’s Leisure, Entertainment and Attractions Conference, which returned for its seventh edition.
“With each edition, our ambition is to eclipse the past, pushing boundaries and championing innovation,” said Falaknaz. “DEAL 2024 exemplified this ethos, providing an immersive experience that unveiled the next wave of industry megaprojects.
“As a catalyst for transformation, DEAL 2024 offered unparalleled opportunities for stakeholders to foster international collaborations, steering the industry toward a flourishing future.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the MENA region’s ever-expanding tourism sector will continue to transform a sector poised for unprecedented growth. Ahead of the 31st DEAL event, its organisers promise the event to be a catalyst for the industry, showcasing groundbreaking technologies, innovative concepts and strategic partnerships that are continuously shaping the future of entertainment.
“The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike underscore DEAL’s irreplaceable role in the entertainment sector’s growth,” said Falkanaz.
“The burgeoning growth of the MEA’s entertainment sectors is unmistakable, supported by substantial investments in spectacular entertainment projects and a thriving tourism sector. DEAL is at the heart of this evolution, reinforcing the region’s position as a leading global entertainment hub.”
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