The forthcoming Middle East Amusements, Attractions, Parks, Leisure and Entertainment (MEAAPLE) trade show planned for Abu Dhabi has been postponed by at least one year.

CMPi UAE group director Chris Fountain confirmed that the show, originally scheduled to be held from February 2 to 4, 2009 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), would be put on hold until 2010.

Fountain said that it was a very recent decision taken by the company and that no public statements would be made regarding the show at this time.

A source close to the project explained that the reasons for the delay were very simple and a result of the current business challenges facing potential exhibitors, 75% of which would be coming out of Europe and the US.

"There's so little business around," the source said, adding that the impact of global financial pressures was reflected by reduced attendance at the Euro Attractions Show held in Munich, Germany, last month.

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