The Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure (DEAL) Show, the pioneer and premier exhibition for the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) leisure and entertainment industry, is all set to take place from April 8-10, 2025, at the Zabeel Hall 4,5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Dubai, UAE [April 9 2025]: As governments across the MENA region are investing heavily to develop world-class tourism and entertainment infrastructure as part of their economic diversification strategies, the regional leisure and entertainment industry is experiencing a period of boom in the post-pandemic era. According to consulting firm RedSeer, the MENA leisure and entertainment sector is expected to contribute $14 billion to the region’s economy welcoming around 250 million visitors by 2028.
Driving growth for the industry are family entertainment centres (FECs) and theme parks, which are expected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10% in the coming years. In fact, according to Allied Market Research, the indoor & FEC market in the MENA region is expected to touch $1.68 billion by 2027 up from $618.65 million in 2019.
If anything, the landscape is buzzing with excitement owing to major projects in the pipeline. Some examples include the upcoming Fustat Hills Park in Egypt. Spanning 500 acres it is being developed in five phases and will house an entertainment centre, adventure area, cultural area, historical area, heritage gardens area and an Egyptian flower garden area. Valued at $922 million, four stadiums are being built in Morocco to encourage sports and related tourism activities.
Meanwhile, in the GCC, spanning 650,000 sqm the Land of Legends Theme Park is scheduled to open in Qatar by 2028. In the UAE, immersive destination specialist MIRAL is enhancing Yas Island’s appeal through several strategic projects. Among them is the ongoing 16,900-square metre (sqm) expansion of Yas Waterworld, which will feature 18 new rides and attractions and boost guest capacity by 20%. Not to forget, the Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) that plans to develop and operate 21 entertainment projects across 14 cities in the Kingdom.
Moreover, the MENA gaming market is projected to surpass $5 billion by 2025.
Against this backdrop, with over three decades of sectoral leadership, the DEAL Show reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation, fostering growth and shaping the future of the MENA leisure & entertainment industry. In 2025, more than 300 exhibitors from 40 countries will showcase their latest innovations, products and services at the DEAL Show, which is expected to draw visitors from 112 countries who will gain deep insights into new trends.
That’s not all, on April 8, 2025, DEAL will host a ‘Recognition Night’, an official dinner dedicated to honouring exhibitors who have been part of DEAL since it started 31 years ago, exemplifying innovation, creativity and excellence in the entertainment and leisure sector. Notably, of the 300+ exhibitors, over 25 have been participating in DEAL for more than two decades, acting as a testimonial of collaboration and business success. The DEAL ‘Recognition Night’ will celebrate such trailblazers who set new benchmarks to drive the industry forward.
Commenting on the DEAL Show, Abdul Rahman Falaknaaz, Chairman of International Expo Consults (IEC), the organiser of DEAL, said, “Since 1994, DEAL has proudly pioneered and uplifted the leisure and entertainment industry across the MENA region. Today, DEAL is more than just an exhibition – it’s a force that sparks innovation, nurtures connections and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of fun and entertainment in the region and beyond. Together, as an industry, we promise to build a landscape that inspires and brings joy to millions.”
The foremost and oldest leisure and entertainment focused exhibition in the region, which has been running for over three decades, DEAL 2025 promises unmatched networking opportunities, insights into emerging trends and access to industry pioneers. From immersive experiences to cutting-edge technologies, the show floor will be a hub of inspiration for businesses aiming to stay ahead. Despite intensifying competition, with steadfast support from the UAE government, DEAL continues to play a key role in unlocking the regional leisure and entertainment industry’s potential by connecting visionaries, innovators and stakeholders under one roof showcasing groundbreaking concepts and revolutionary ideas.
Register to attend DEAL 2025 to celebrate innovation, excellence and the future of entertainment.
For more information, visit www.dealmiddleeastshow.com or contact Upasna Barua at upasna.barua@misonika.com
