A dedicated children's edutainment and entertainment arena is to be introduced at next year's Theme Parks and Fun Centres (TPFC) show, the Middle East's only trade showcase for the amusement parks and attractions industry.
Exhibition organizer International Expo-Consults (IEC) has launched the initiative in response to heightened Middle East demand for electronic and play equipment from a burgeoning youth population, according to a company press release.
"According to current estimates about half of the Gulf's population is under the age of 20 years and about nine million of the over 28 million strong Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) population were below the age of 14 in the year 2000," said IEC Vice President Mohammed Falaknaz.
"In seven years from now, the size of this age group is projected to increase to 14 million out of a total projected population of over 39 million, making them the biggest stake in the success of any company hoping to do business in the region."
The arena will feature children's entertainment and edutainment brands including electronic games, VR simulators, rides, jukeboxes, playcentre and playschool equipment, climbing frames, slides, ramps, inflatable and laser tag games.
"Fierce competition within the retail sector is another factor driving the demand for cutting edge children's entertainment. Edutainment centers are now a key factor in every regional shopping mall's strategy to secure a greater market share," said Falaknaz.
"Over three million square foot of commercial space is available in 33 shopping malls in Dubai alone. Expansion schemes launched by many existing malls will take that figure close to four million square foot by next year.”
"In the wider region gross leaseable space is expected to increase by 50 percent over the next few years. Significant schemes are being completed or planned in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Cairo and Doha and all of them will feature children's entertainment facilities," said Falaknaz.
The nineth showing of TPFC will take place at the Dubai International Exhibition Center from April 27-29, 2003. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
