Demand for space at this year’s DEAL trade show in Dubai has seen the organisers, International Expo Consults, increase the floor area of the exhibition by 15 per cent, it is reported by show manager Kimberlyn d’Souza.
“Some of the bigger exhibitors have increased their booth space,” said d’Souza, “and we have had an influx of new exhibitors, notably from Spain, Turkey, Greece and Russia.
“The newcomers include companies such as Ferretti International from Italy, Gulf Tech Amusement from Saudi Arabia and Pax, the major rides manufacturer from Russia.”
The largest exhibitor, ASI, the Dubai-based games distributor, has increased the size of its booth by 20 per cent and the other major local distributor, Warehouse of Games, also from Dubai, has similarly increased the size of its display.
As of this week, the show was virtually full. “By IAAPA in November we were 90 per cent full,” said d’Souza, “so it was inevitable that we would increase our exhibit area.” The show, slated for April at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will increase again next year, by 30-50 per cent, said d’Souza, in response to the rapid increase in interest in the Middle East amusement market.
The 2014 show will also move its dates, to April 1-3, responding to movement in the Easter holidays. Next year Easter Sunday is April 20, which would have clashed if the show’s 2014 dates matched this year’s.
