Dubai Business Events Partners with E&L MENA 2027 to Boost Leisure and Entertainment Sector

Dubai Business Events (DBE), a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced its partnership with Entertainment & Leisure MENA (E&L MENA) 2027. This collaboration positions DBE as the Destination Partner for the event, scheduled to take place from January 18-20, 2027, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The partnership's primary goal is to enhance E&L MENA's international presence by attracting a greater number of exhibitors, buyers, and investors to Dubai. DBE will support the event's outreach efforts in key international markets through buyer engagement initiatives, industry-specific content development, and extensive destination promotion. This strategic move is expected to facilitate business opportunities for participating companies within Dubai and the broader Middle East region.

E&L MENA's Scope and Impact

E&L MENA 2027 will serve as a comprehensive platform for businesses and decision-makers across various sub-sectors, including entertainment, leisure, attractions, and destination development. The event, which evolved from the long-standing DEAL Dubai exhibition, is anticipated to host over 200 international exhibitors and more than 8,000 trade visitors from over 80 countries.

Exhibitors will showcase a diverse range of products, technologies, and developments, covering areas such as:

• Rides and attractions
• Family entertainment centres
• Waterparks
• Gaming solutions
• Immersive technologies
• Entertainment infrastructure

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), highlighted the importance of the entertainment and leisure sector to Dubai's visitor economy. He stated, "Dubai continues to attract events that bring together international industries, investors and decision-makers, creating opportunities for partnerships, knowledge exchange and business growth." Ashik Thomas Joseph, Exhibition Director for E&L MENA, emphasised Dubai's role as a regional connector for businesses, making it an ideal location for an event focusing on the entertainment, leisure, and visitor attractions industries.