New theme parks such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Ice Land Water Park in RAK to shape the future of fun in Middle East.

A thrill of excitement is stirring across the UAE as the country welcomes two new theme parks, carving out a place for itself as the centre of family entertainment in the Middle East.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is preparing to launch on October 27, while the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has recently opened its Ice Land Water Park.

"The opening of these two new theme parks in the UAE marks a new phase in development for the region's amusement industry," said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, Chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC), the organiser of the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) exhibition, the region's leading business forum for the amusements industry.

"To have international brands such as Ferrari entering the marketplace shows that the Middle East's amusement industry has reached a new level of maturity. It also shows that there is still a lot of confidence in the market, and we expect to see many more exciting developments taking shape in the months and years to come."

Located at Yas Island, the home to the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Ferrari-themed facility will be the world's largest indoor theme park.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be home to the world's fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa; the region's first dueling roller coaster, Fiorano GT Challenge and the 4-D adventure, Speed of Magic.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will feature many Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions that range from speed thrill rides to the world's most advanced racing simulators and family-friendly attractions.

"Ferrari World establishes Abu Dhabi as the centre and cutting edge of world tourism and leisure," said Amanda Phillips, Pro-Fab, exhibitor at DEAL 2010 and 2011 and regional supplier of inflatable attractions.

"We expect this to add a tremendous value to the industry," added Ahmed El Komy, President, Switch-Sportal, specialists in bowling centres.

Excitement may be peaking in Abu Dhabi, but it has reached new lows in Ras Al Khaimak (RAK) – lows in temperature that is!

Ice Land Water Park, part of the 25-acre WOW RAK development, opened to the public at the end of September. The new theme park offers more than 50 attractions and slides, and is expected to welcome 10,000 visitors daily.

The second phase of WOW RAK, set to open next autumn, will include a 4-D theatre and ice-skating rink, as well as a shopping mall and chalet-type resort. A further amusement park, offering five themed zones – Cosmos, Oceanic, Amazon, Mountain and Desert – will also open in autumn 2012.

As the annual focal point for the MENA region's burgeoning amusement and attractions industries, the DEAL Expo continues to provide the ideas, inspiration and enthusiasm to meet the demands of numerous and very different visitor attractions – from family entertainment centres, to water and theme parks, heritage centres, museums and zoos.

Now in its 17th year, DEAL 2011 will take place from April 4-6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. 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 for the Leisure & Entertainment Industries; India Association of Amusement Parks & Industries; and the World Water Park Association.