There is a paradigm shift in the entertainment quotient prevalent in malls across the world over and also in UAE. Today, the malls have to be vibrant and entertaining enough to draw repeat customers apart from the regular product sales. The whole concept should also consider the fact that the world of social media is a dynamic platform which the customers across all ages are utilizing.  The concepts should be so interesting and engaging that the visitors would like to share with their family and friends. DEAL 2019 trade show at the DWTC being held between March 25^th-27^th is addressing similar needs of the mall owners and the retail marketplace with some of the latest international concepts.

“Technology is at the heart of WOG,” said Nabil Kassim, founder and CEO of Warehouse of Games, one of the oldest exhibitors at DEAL 2019. “All of the major Family Entertainment Centres (FEC’s) and theme parks around the world are using technology this year to give visitors that immersive feel of simulated reality and WOG has certainly kept the bar up by facilitating these FEC’s. A number of theme parks are using Artificial Intelligence in conjunction with virtual reality and augmented reality to create more immersive rides, and WOG is always keeping up to date and the technology and striving to provide its customers with a great selection of VR from top global manufacturers. It really is a great time to witness the industry flourish with these technological innovations.”

Over the past few years, there has been clear change in the entertainment choices available to the average consumer. Latest technologies, providing a completely immersive and life-like experience, has changed the industry completely.

The entertainment concepts are evolving and have taken a completely new avatar with the growing popularity of virtual reality gaming concepts. Furthermore, drones and robots have also entered the fray and currently are in very high demand across FECs and indoor themeparks. Several such innovative technologies and concepts will be showcased at the upcoming DEAL 2019 show in Dubai.

“Today, there is a massive behavioral change in millennials. They are changing their spending patterns, from markets to malls, where they can eat, socialize and get entertained at Family Entertainment Centers (FEC)s apart from shopping.  With this change in behaviour they also need engaging and immersive experience to support their entertainment appetite.  This has given rise to new gaming concepts such as VR and now they are further engaged by Robots who can serve them food and beverages,” stated Sharif Rahman, CEO of International Expo Consults (IEC), organisers of DEAL 2019.

The average age in the Middle East has gone down in the past years and represents one of the highest ever youth population in the history of the region. In contrast to the rest of the world, its booming population is getting younger. With 60 per cent of the population under the age of 30, experts believe that the driving force for entertainment and leisure industry especially in the MENA region, would be experiences provided by virtual reality technology.  Several DEAL 2019 exhibitors from across the globe would be showcasing a plethora of concepts that the FECs and Amusement operators to choose from. Soon theme park enthusiasts strapped with VR paraphernalia, will enter worlds that were literally impossible to recreate.

IEC CEO further stated that, “This is a great business opportunity for UAE’s mall owners, real estate developers and other stakeholders planning to launch or grow their unique projects embedded with a gaming / entertainment zone.  DEAL 2019 will provide the right platform to create a win-win-win situation for the exhibitors, visitors and the end consumers who will experience these amazing concepts.”

Opening its doors for the 25^th time, DEAL 2019 will represent the largest gathering of entertainment and leisure industry’s key players and visitors from the Middle East, Africa, US, Mediterranean and Asian countries. DEAL has shaped the region’s entertainment industry for the last two and a half decades and it has brought together opinion leaders and high-tech innovations all on one platform.