Water leisure attractions and services continue to prove popular in the Middle East

DUBAI April 6, 2011: Water attractions look set to remain popular leisure options in the Middle East as more and more suppliers look to enter the market.

Water was just one of the themes flowing through this week's Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) exhibition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Companies from across the world descended upon the emirate to showcase the very latest in aquatic attractions and services.

Van Egdom B.V, an European manufacture of water leisure attractions, returned to DEAL this week to showcase its latest water park developments worldwide. "Our range of products cover all ages for every water facility: from themed toddler pools to signature water slides, water playgrounds to water rides. The Middle East market is very diverse, and we believe that we can contribute in delivering unique set ups for water leisure attractions," explained Simon van Dijk, Sales Manager, Van Egdom.

On display were details of two new water park rides produced by Van Egdom:

  • X-Stream: A new sensational slide, which can be installed at any water facility. A trap-door mechanism gives the user an almost vertical start, giving a sensational speed experience.

  • Camel Back: This unique water coaster is installed at Alpensia700 in South Korea. An interactive conveyer system sends a two-person raft up to the next section of the water ride. The Camel Back at Alpensia700 is extended to more than 150 metres.

Van Egdom is currently working on a number of projects in the Middle East and North Africa, including water playgrounds in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and projects in Egypt and Tunisia.

Aquatic accessories manufacturer Neptune-Benson used this week's DEAL to launch its UAE operations and its Defender Filter.

"This is our third time exhibiting at DEAL and each time has proved to be very successful for Neptune-Benson. Exposure to key markets like the UAE has been important in the global growth of our Defender Filter. We currently have more than 500 filters installed in 40 countries around the world," said Bob Hawken, Vice President - Sales Manager, Neptune Benson.

The company is launching Defender UAE, based in Abu Dhabi, with local dealer and distributor Daly Fluid Technologies.

Neptune-Benson is currently involved in the Jebel Hafeet Whitewater Rafting and Surf Pool Project at Al Ain. The company has also worked on the Yas Island Welcome Centre Fountain, Wild Wadi Waterpark and Atlantis The Palm Dubai.    

"We really see an upturn in the region long term, that's why we have launched Defender UAE," Hawken added.

US-based aquatic planning, design and engineering firm Water Technology returned to DEAL once again to exhibit its services to the Middle East market.

"Water Technology Inc believes the future of the region's leisure industry is promising. The influx of people working in the Middle East, along with the continuous international events that attract tourists - such as F1, Dubai World Cup, concerts and trade shows - makes the leisure industry a vital compliment and support for these events," said Toni Nigrelli, Business Development, Water Technology Inc.

Currently, Water Technology is involved in projects in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.   

"Water attractions continue to prove popular across the Middle East. With DEAL taking place at the same time as the World Waterpark Association's Annual Middle East Symposium we have seen a steady increase in water related exhibitors at the show," said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC), organiser of DEAL.

DEAL 2011 welcomed some of the amusement industry's leaders, with regional and global names such as Amusement Services International (ASI), Falgas Industries, Rainbow Productions, Zamperla Middle East and Warehouse of Games.

Brand names on display included SEGA, Triotech, Magnetic Cash, Simuline and Cogan. In total, more than 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries are participating. For more information visit www.themeparksdubai.com

Substantial industry support for DEAL is given by the Amusement Industry Council of Europe, including Association Fabricantes Y Exp. Maquinas de la Foia de Bunyol (Spain) Associazone Nazionale Costruttori Attrezzature, Spettcoli Viaggianti (Italy); Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers of the UK; American Amusement Manufacturers Association); International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; India Association of Amusement Parks & Industries; and the World Water Park Association.

-Ends-

About International Expo-Consults (IEC):
International Expo-Consults (IEC) is an internationally recognized trade show management company with an impressive track record of 16 years of operations in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region. The Exhibition arm of the Dubai-based conglomerate, the Falak Holding; IEC is the organiser of key exhibitions including Chemical Process Plant and Machinery (CPPM), Sign and Graphics Imaging (SGI), Franchising Middle East (FME) and Sportex Middle East. 

A multi-billion dollar Dubai-based conglomerate, Falak Holding has been an industry pioneer for the last 30 years having diversified business interests including real estate development; retail - sports, fashion, home furnishings; exhibitions, medical diagnostics, trading and many more as part of its portfolio. Falak Holding is also a key stakeholder and investor in the prestigious Dubai Sports City project.

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© Press Release 2011