Leisure, theme park spending in Middle East and Africa likely to reach $609mln in 2023

Leisure, theme park spending in Middle East and Africa likely to reach $609mln in 2023

Spending on leisure, amusement and theme parks in the Middle East and Africa is expected to reach $609 million (Dh2.23 billion) in 2023, according to a recent report issued by International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the global industry association.

The data assumes significance as the UAE recently announced its ambitions on raising the tourist intake to 40 million per year with and investment of Dh100 billion. In this regard, widening the scope of leisure tourism and theme parks facilities is a key component. The recent agreement between Dubai Parks & Resorts to open a Real Madrid theme park needs to be seen in this context. Abu Dhabi’s Miral Asset Management has also recently launched a new group identity to streamline the delivery of Dh13 billion worth of leisure and cultural projects across the emirate.

The leisure industry in the region has started to grow at an exponential rate following the removal of travel restrictions after the Covid-19 pandemic, and boosted by the continuing effects of Expo 2020 and the ongoing World Cup football tournament in Qatar.

Tourism forms one of the main pillars of the UAE economy as the country continues its march to diversify its income sources beyond hydrocarbons. According