■ Carrie Chan / Shuilan Hu
DEAL 2018, the largest amusement and entertainment show in the Middle East took place from April 9 – 11 at the Iconic World Trade Centre in Dubai. This The 24th edition of DEAL saw around 315 exhibitors showcase their most innovative work to the thousands of visitors from around the world.  Judging by the fact that the exhibitors belonged to over 40 countries from Europe, Africa, America, the Middle East, and Mediterranean region, is a testament to the popularity of the show as well as the attractiveness of the Middle East entertainment and leisure market.  The show has been the barometer for the industry in the Middle East and judging by the participation, the industry is doing pretty well for itself in the region. The 3-day event was deemed a success by the organizers as multi-million dollars worth of business was reported to have been conducted over the show floor.

DEAL 2018 was held on April 9 – 11 at the Iconic World Trade Centre in Dubai.

Dubai & DEAL 2018 - high-end amusement destinations

DEAL has transformed into an unparalleled platform that gathers exhibitors, buyers, and professionals from the international amusement and entertainment industry.

Dubai is an established world-class tourist destination and part of its appeal lies in the various avenues for entertainment including multiple theme parks, family entertainment centers, adventure hubs, water parks and even a fully-fledged stand-alone VR park.  The surrounding countries also have been influenced by the success of the Emirates and have been investing heavily in developing their regional facilities.  Especially since Saudi Arabia had recently announced its plan to invest USD 64 billion in to the entertainment segment, there has been renewed interest by many organization to take maximum benefit of the situation.

According to Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of International Expo-Consults LLC, “DEAL is the most anticipated show in the region for the entertainment and leisure industry.  For the past 23 years we have been trying to grow the industry from scratch.  Two decades later, DEAL is the most effective platform for any company that wants to enter the market or introduce a new product or service relevant to the industry.  It is the best place to network, learn from the industry leaders, research the competition and meet your customers and suppliers.  DEAL doesn’t just boast of pulling in exhibitors from around the world but the visitors as well.  In the next 3 days thousands of visitors are expected to attend the exhibition from around the world to learn the best kept secrets of the industry”.

Since its inception, DEAL has transformed into an unparalleled platform that gathers exhibitors, buyers, and professionals from the international amusement and entertainment industry.  DEAL is the region's leading attraction for global and local stakeholders in the amusement and entertainment industries.  International Expo Consults (IEC), part of Falak Holding is the driving force behind the ‘DEAL show’, the most anticipated event of the year in the region for exhibitors and visitors in the attractions vertical.

Global exhibitors VS. Chinese exhibitors

Various kinds of products displayed in the show.

Over the past 2 decades, DEAL has had the uncanny ability to pull in the exhibitors year after year.  But it still manages to rake in new exhibitors every year.  This year, DEAL 2018 was able to sign nearly 30% new exhibitors from around the world.  The exhibitors making their debuts in DEAL include Valley-Dynamo from USA, Ice-World International from Netherlands, CL Corporation from France, Kynoa SA from Switzerland, Dein Interdecor SA from Spain, Prologic from UAE, Sega Amusements International Ltd from UK, Hysteria Entertainment LLC from UAE, and Kilic Lunapark from Turkey among others.

It is reported that there were over 120 Chinese exhibitors this year, including Golden Horse Group, Golden Dragon Amusement, Guangzhou Wahlap Technology Limited, ACE Amusement Technology Co., Ltd., Binzhou Net Tribe Co., Ltd., Aoqi Inflatables Limited, Dalian Toyou Technology Co., Ltd., Gooest Media Technology Co., Ltd., and Guangzhou (Huatai) Baishun Animation Co., Ltd.  Because of such a large number of Chinese exhibitors, the organizer set up a special Chinese exhibitors hall in Z3, which is one of the brightest spots in the show.  Admission systems, amusement equipment, coin acceptors, system and software, crane machines, hi-tech equipment & services, participatory play equipment, gift machines, water parks’ devices, kiddie rides, carnival games, redemption games, inflatables, rope courses, interactive wall climbing, and animatronics among others were present at the show.

Chinese exhibitors gathered together in Z3 hall.

Among the two biggest exhibitors were Amusement Services International (ASI) and Warehouse of Games (WOG), the two largest Dubai based manufacturers with maximum floor space covering numerous games.  Apart from the rides manufacturers, numerous theming oraganisations were present.  Dubai based Mint Creative announced its strategic partnership with Raz Holding to create a themed entertainment powerhouse in Saudi Arabia add value to the country’s growing requirements of theme parks, museums, leisure and amusement venues.  The 24th DEAL has promoted the development of Dubai games & amusements industry.  Its revenue has increased by 15% to 20%.

The two biggest exhibitors were Amusement Services International (ASI) and Warehouse of Games (WOG).

VR standing out among various kinds of products

VR stood out among all the products in DEAL 2018.

Virtual Reality had a big presence in DEAL 2018 with many exhibitors displaying various VR products and games such as AMUSEMENT SERVICES INTERNATIONAL (ASI), Warehouse of games, and Kyona among others. In terms of games, ASI will allow the visitors to experience Virtual Rabbids – an operator free VR based attraction which is the first of its kind. Warehouse of games also has showcased various new great games with license names and famous cartoon characters some with VR tech integrated into the game. Kyona, a first time exhibitor at DEAL 2018, showcased the world premiere of “Koliseum Soccer VR”, which translates one of the most popular games of the 20th century – Foosball into and exhilarating experience, adding surprising actions, emotions, tension and twist to the game.

Conference

 
During DEAL 2018, TUV SUD Middle East presented the International Waterpark Conference. The aim of the conference was to familiarize the various stakeholders with international standards and regulations to ensure the safety of the waterpark, liability risks are minimized, accidents and their consequential costs prevented, and the attraction is improved. For practical insights into the running of a waterpark, a trip to Yas Waterworld was also organised, free of cost for the delegates, after the show on 12th April 2018.

The MENALAC conference was also held on 8th April 2018 in collaboration with DEAL 2018. The MENALAC educational initiative was the ideal place to meet, interact and learn from leisure industry experts and gain valuable insight on the best practices adopted by the industry leaders. The conference focused on various topics on the operations of the leisure industry including active entertainment and VR/AR attractions and many others.

GTI promoting China-made products and GTI expos
As an annual exhibitor, GTI left for Dubai and set up booth at #Z3-G24.  In order to introduce Asia’s latest and hottest products and GTI expos as well as to share industry dynamics to global buyers, GTI distributed GTI Magazine, The Vision of China Amusement Equipment Magazine (Arabic version) and GTI expos fliers actively.  There was a sea of people in the show floor.  Lots of regular and potential customers came to visit our booth and made consultations.  Under the charm of both magazines, numerous buyers from Dubai not only asked for information about manufacturers but also told us their purchasing needs and their contact information positively so that we can introduce them to our corresponding customers to fulfill their needs.

GTI set up a booth in the show and distributed magazines and GTI expos fliers.

Mr. Jack Chang, GTI’s general manager together with Ms. Sally Chang, an English editor in GTI called on Mr. Sharif Rahman, the CEO of DEAL to learn more about the expo as well as the local market and sent GTI’s special souvenir to him.  Also, Mr. Chang introduced the situation of China-made amusement equipment to Mr. Sharif and sincerely invites him to visit the 10th GTI Asia China Expo.  Mr. Sharif expressed his best wishes to GTI Asia China Expo and said, “I wish GTI Asia China Expo held in September will go well!  I wish it all the best!  I am very pleased to attend the show this year!”

Pictured is Mr. Sharif Rahman (right) and Mr. Jack Chang (left).

The next edition of DEAL will be a special show since it will have completed 25 years since its inaugural edition. The 25th DEAL show will take place from the 24th – 26th March, 2019 in Halls 5, 6, 7, 8 & Pavilion of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
※The article is published in the GTI Magazine Issue No. 164 in May 2018