The giant Al Hokair Group from Saudi Arabia, is planning to have 120 FECs or similar attractions open across the Middle East by 2020, says deputy general manager Ahmed Ebid. The group currently has 97 operating, said Ebid, who works closely on the projects under Mishal Al Hokair who heads up the groups entertainment division and who was recently named Middle East Leisure and Entertainment Personality of the Year by the region’s trade association. In the current issue of the Al Hokair Special Issue of InterGame, issued with the regular magazine, Ebid said in an interview that the figure of 120 locations had been the target for some time. “We are not seeking 120 locations, we want 120 successful locations – big difference! We could simply expand and add further venues, but if they are not adding value, to us, to our customers and to our shareholders, then it is no good to anyone. We want productive added value for everyone’s sake.” Some of them, he said, would mirror the new philosophy of stand-alone FEC locations. The Al Hokair Time venues usually house at least three of the iconic brands, Sparky’s, Snowy’s and a SkyZone trampoline park. But he said there were plans for ‘something new’. “We have a completely new concept on the way – no, not just an addition to Al Hokair Time. We have another stand-alone. We have signed a deal with Immotion and you will see the results this year. At IAAPA in Orlando Mishal Al Hokair signed an agreement with Immotion to open four VR centres across Saudi and the UAE…and that is just for starters.” (2019/05/02)