United Arab Emirates theme parks are set to bring AED5bn (€1.2bn) to the Dubai economy by 2020, said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz (pictured), chairman of IEC, the organiser of the Dubai trade show DEAL, which next year is set for April 19-21.
Falaknaz said that the parks and FECs in the Gulf region had an “edge” over their counterparts in other parts of the world because they had embraced new technologies and were “more creative and innovative.”
He was supported by Lennard Otto, general manager at the IMG Worlds of Adventure, who commented: “Looking at Dubai, the opportunity is clear, one third of the world’s population is within four hours’ flying time, and two thirds within eight hours.
"The theme park industry is the next piece of the puzzle for delivering an all-round experience for residents and tourists alike. We are the first movers in this space, pioneering the indoor entertainment concept, which allows us to make the most of an untapped market.”
