The lack of trained and experienced attractions and leisure facility managers worldwide could cause huge problems for the region's attractions industry, despite places like Dubai being well on the way to achieving a reputation as an international 'attractions city'.
This is according to industry expert Gerry Robinson, MD of Trade Shows International Ltd (TSI Ltd) - the secretariat of the Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers of the UK - who is currently working with International Expo-Consultants (IEC) on the seminar programme for next year's 15th anniversary Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure (DEAL) show.
Robinson said: "Can there be too many attractions and related leisure activities? Time will tell but for the moment it appears that Dubai is winning the title of 'attractions city' and, when most of the planned projects are completed and up and running this will be reflected in the substantial increase in visitor numbers that are currently predicted.
"The main problem for those companies who operate these facilities is that of securing the best management. Worldwide there is a dearth of top quality attractions and leisure facility managers with the majority having to be encouraged to come to Dubai from other countries," he continued.
"From the limited research I have so far undertaken it seems that the lifespan of an imported manager is less than five years - mostly because settling in Dubai is not always easy for some, especially for those with young families," explained Robinson.
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He explained that this issue would form the theme for the 2009 DEAL Expo seminar programme, which he said was "being designed as a benchmark to the eventual creation of a full-time teaching facility in Dubai, creating exciting new career opportunities for young Middle East graduates, those who need to enhance their career prospects and to encourage others to be a part of what is destined to be Dubai's major employment arena for many years to come".
Robinson revealed: "Currently I have put a proposal to one of the largest players in the industry and am awaiting their response regarding sponsorship and consideration to funding a 'Foundation' or similar educational establishment in Dubai.
"The long-term career prospects for the indigenous young graduate in particular is almost limitless, but some kind of educational establishment has to be set up to ensure a continuous production of industry-trained applicants," he said.
Despite highlighting the potential challenges ahead for the region's leisure industry, Robinson was full of praise for the steps taken so far by the area's attractions operators.
He said: "Current projects and those planned to be in place during the next few years are exciting and are creating greater interest internationally in Dubai as a family holiday destination. It seems that the mix of facilities covers virtually every aspect of both traditional and modern life and it is difficult to see what else can be included to make the experience even better".
Robinson highlighted the new Dubai Dolphinarium in the UAE, which he said "exemplifies much about the leisure developments that have been and are still continuing to be introduced in Dubai, which add a different value and experience in an otherwise crowded market place".
The Dubai Municipality AED 33 million (US $9000) facility is the first of five elements to make up Dubai Marine World and as well as being home to three dolphins and four seals, it offers a water circus show, dolphin therapy, dolphin sighting and educational lectures.
Facilities include marine-themed classrooms, a multimedia library and a forthcoming Marine Mammal Education Centre.
It is this educational offer that has lead IEC president Abdul Rehman Falaknaz to assert that "the opening of Dubai Dolphinarium is a huge step forward in the evolution of Dubai as an edutainment hub".
Falaknaz said: "Families want more from their recreational pursuits nowadays. They want to be thrilled and entertained, but they also want to know that their children are taking something positive from the experience.
Robinson added: "Edutainment can be defined as an experience that provides, as its primary objective, a means to enable people to learn about something in an hands-on and enjoyable way".
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