Virtual Reality Zones to transform theme park experience
Virtual Reality is set to invade your favourite theme park.

Virtual Reality Zones to transform theme park experience

Experts believe that the next big thing for entertainment and leisure industry especially in the Middle East and neighbouring region would be driven by virtual reality technology.

Amusement Services International (ASI) will also unveil Industry’s first ever operator-free VR attraction at the Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure show 2018.

“Virtual reality isn’t just for gamers, geeks and technophiles. Globally the number of theme parks adopting VR technology as part of their offerings to increase attendance is rising,” said Sharif Rahman, CEO of International Expo Consults (IEC).

“While VR tech is still unfamiliar to most of the stakeholders in this industry, the paradigm shift is inevitable.”

Especially in the Middle East and northern Africa market, footfalls at indoor theme parks and family entertainment centres at the malls increase during the summer months. VR parks would enjoy a similar popularity not only because of the cyclical and weather dependent nature of the outdoor theme parks in the region but also because of the intensive and immersive experience offered. Such parks would allow for round-the-year operations since they aren’t guided by an uncontrollable factor-the climate. Theme parks in other parts of the world aren’t affected by such issues.

“Virtual reality (VR) has been widely spoken about as the next big thing in the industry. We have now seen a full-fledged VR Park in Dubai and we will also see VR attractions adorn FECs in the coming days. In addition to VR, arcade games and simulators will still attract consumers. We have few new adventure and escape concepts that we are showcasing at DEAL 2018. These concepts will bring in another level of family engagement,” said Prakash Vivekanand, Managing Director, Amusement Services International LLC.

Rahman added:  “With the help of VR technology, we can recreate imagery and create situations which we couldn’t before. VR parks or VR based rides in theme parks have emerged all over the world including North America, Europe and Asia. Even in Dubai, there are many options for VR based rides in Hub Zero, Sega Republic, Magic Planet among others, but an exclusive VR based theme park like the recently launched project by Emaar in Dubai Mall would prove to be a game changer.”

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