The Middle East theme parks market is set to witness solid growth over the coming years, thanks to the tremendous support from regional governments and increased tourism and investments by international players in the region, said a report.

The total number of tourists arriving in the UAE increased from 15.4 million persons during 2014 to 17.8 million persons during 2016, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 per cent during the same period, according to data released by Ken Research,

"The countries are shaping their events industry along with a favourable investment and business climate to attract more tourists into the country. Annual international events held in the region coupled with the increasing diversity of theme parks have not only increased the number of tourists but have also enhanced the length of stay of tourist in the region. Increasing supply of hotel rooms have reduced room rate which has also positively impacted the tourism sector in the region," the research said.

Theme parks across the GCC have matured to all 360 degree fun quotient for amusement enthusiasts. Governments across this region are leaving no stone unturned to promote the Middle East as a destination to soak and revel with the best amusement and entertainment possibilities available here. The entertainment options are varied here with the climate turning non conducive to outdoor rides during a certain period of the year. During such phases, FECs and indoor theme parks play a pivotal role to keep going 365 days of the year.

UAE will play a pivotal role in the global theme park and amusement industry, according to experts, as its theme park revenue growth is set to increase by 78 per cent to $837 million by 2019. With its central global location, and excellent hospitality facilities, it is anticipated that UAE has tremendous potential to lead the race ahead of Orlando.

With UAE theme paarks dialling up the “smart” visitor experience, its theme park visitor spend is set to grow six-fold from $105 million in 2016 to $637 million by 2020.

"UAE theme parks are on the cutting-edge of leveraging real-time information management technology to enhance the visitor experience," said Andrew Calthorpe, CEO at smart theme park consultancy Condo Protego, which has worked closely with numerous theme parks in the UAE over the past several years.

Other regional developements include Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which plans to open three theme parks in Saudi Arabia at an investment of over $1.5 billion as part of its regional expansion plans and a Kidzmondo theme park which is set to open this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"The governments of various countries in the region are inviting international players in the theme park market to invest in their country, which is expected to augment the overall revenue." - TradeArabia News Service