Festival of fun: Riyadh expo highlights best in entertainment technology
Some of the weirdest and most wonderful innovations are on show at this year's Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo in Riyadh.
With 350 exhibitors plus talks and discussions with industry leaders from around the world, the three-day event opened on Tuesday and is expected to attract about 12,000 visitors.
Among the products on show is a hologram zoo designed by Australian company Axiom Holographics, which was featured in Time magazine's list of technologies of the year for 2023.
Brendan Hodgkins, global sales manager, said: 'We package a full suite of hologram equipment that can be integrated into family entertainment centers, theme parks or shopping malls.
'During our trials, we attracted 25,000 people in just 42 days, generating over $550,000 in revenue.'
He said that the company had already sold more than 40 of its 'zoos' around the world and was keen to expand into the Saudi market.
'We're eager to bring this innovation to Saudi Arabia to help shape the future of entertainment in the Kingdom.'
Another of the exhibits on show, and possibly the largest, is a 20-meter tall inflatable ogre, designed and built by Anka Inflatable Co. from Guangzhou in southern China.
A representative of the company, who gave his name only as John, said the product was ideal for larger venues, like amusement parks.
While the purple monster attracted plenty of visitors at the show, the technology can be adapted to suit the end-user's needs, John said.
'(It) can be customized in many shapes and the skin can be changed after one, two, or three years. It's also collapsible and easy to transport,' he said.
Anka was also keen to increase its profile in the region, he said.
'Many of my friends have built successful companies here. The relationship between China and Saudi Arabia is strong and this is a very good market for us.'
Besides the products on show, the expo is also being used to attract new people into the industry, with the Saudi Entertainment Academy promoting a series of training programs with links to future career opportunities.
'Our vision is to focus on professional training through diploma programs,' Sultan bin Jumaiah, a sales specialist with the academy, said.
'We aim to provide professional candidates for companies looking to hire. After completing our diploma, students will have the opportunity to join various companies in this sector.'
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities for Saudi citizens.
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