The consistency of the DEAL trade show in Dubai is its key attribute. There is not a DEAL show that fails to get good reviews and this year is no exception.
The Dubai show, held April 14-16 at the World Trade Centre, was the largest in its 21-year history and, some claim, the best. The quality of the product on display, all appealing to the constantly-evolving family entertainment centres industry in the Middle East, was the subject of great praise from the exhibitors. The largest distributor of games and rides in the region, Prakash Vivekanand of Amusement Services International, said simply: “I want to thank the suppliers for the kind of premium quality products for companies like ours to offer to operators in the region.”
The sheer diversity of the rides, games and attractions on offer, and the ingenuity and technology contained within them, formed the basis of a show to be remembered, even if the industry across the Gulf region was actually doing no more than holding its own, said Vivekanand.
“With oil prices going down we have seen many of the big projects being completed with fewer being initiated, but at worst the business is stabilised.”
The point about the suppliers’ combined offer for the trade was taken up with enthusiasm by Nabil Kassim, managing director at Warehouse of Games, who holds several major distribution lines. “I have never seen such a wealth of talent among games and attractions,” he said. “The levels are higher this year even than in 2014 when it was so impressive.”
Another leading supplier, London’s UDC, echoed the view. “DEAL always provides opportunities to meet with customers from across the entire Middle East and very often beyond,” said Mark Horwood, managing director. “We have been at this show almost from its beginning and we have never been disappointed. This year is no exception.”
To read InterGame’s full report and news from the show, pick up a copy of the forthcoming May issue.
