UAE themepark operators can replicate their concepts worldwide through ‘franchise business model’: Falaknaz

Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of IEC and organiser of the DEAL show, stated that the themepark operators in UAE can replicate their success stories in other parts of the globe by using the ‘franchise business model’. This is a great way to establish UAE as a global leader within the themeparks industry. Dubai’s themeparks are expected to generate close to US$5 billion in revenue by 2020, according to organisers of Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure show (DEAL 2016).

International Expo Consults (IEC), part of Falak Holding, is all set to unveil the ‘Amusement Operator and Franchise Showcase’ section within DEAL 2016. The pavilion aims at laying a strong foundation for all the stakeholders in the amusement franchising and licensing businesses. 

“This is a great business opportunity for the players in this industry and has a tremendous business potential. The DEAL show is a global platform to showcase one’s brand and also aims to attract more investors, real estate developers, franchisees, among other local and international stakeholders to the event. The exhibitors within this new pavilion can explore other global markets to enter or look for expansion opportunities in the GCC markets through brand franchising, licensing and joint ventures. Through this event, participants can acquire new distribution and retail channels so that they can increase their customer base and thereby grow their business,” added Falaknaz.

Ahmad Hussain bin Essa, Chief Operating Officer, Global Village said, “In terms of a qualitative customer experience we are all within the same level, although Orlando is the world’s premier theme park based leisure destination in terms of number of visitors.  However, within the next decade GCC will develop the key ‘enablers’ to create serious competition to Orlando.”

GCC is currently experiencing a boom in the amusement industry, making it a hotspot for investors, stakeholders associated with this industry.

Lennard Otto General Manager, IMG Worlds of Adventure stated that, “The amusement industry is still in its infancy in the GCC, particularly so in the UAE. With significant growth ambitions for tourism, the amusement industry will play a major role in supporting the goals for increasing visitors and spend, meaning that this segment will start to play an important role in the diversifying of the economy. In addition, given the climate here in Dubai, it is crucial to be able to offer year round entertainment, a factor that is perhaps more important than in other markets globally. To date in Dubai we only really have water parks – but they have clearly defined peak seasons, unlike the potential for indoor theme park locations.”

DEAL is considered as the most important amusement industry exhibition outside the United States as it attracts various visitors from all over the world. Fifty two percent of the global visitors are from the top level management who are capable of making on the spot decisions on the behalf of their company and thirty eight percent are second-tier decision makers. DEAL 2015 saw contracts worth over AED 1.2 billion signed at the show.

DEAL 2016 event will be held from 19th to 21st April, 2016 at Zabeel Halls 4, 5 and 6 at the Dubai World Trade Center. 

“The exhibitor profiles at DEAL are quite impressive and will include amusement rides, consultants, entertainment companies, high-tech equipment and effects, food and beverage, hotels and resorts, event production, among others,” concluded Falaknaz.