UAE spearheads Mideast demand for toys

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is riding high in the Middle East toy sector, with the retail value of toys and games in the Gulf country estimated to comprise 28 percent of the regional market by 2020.
Consumers spent $869 million on toys and video games in the UAE in 2015, comprising nearly a third of the Middle East’s $2.9 billion retail value for the year, said a report issued by Euromonitor International (EMI).
The report said that the spending in the UAE would increase by 6.2 percent annually and reach $1.1 billion by 2020.
Growth rates remain healthy due to rising populations, increasing disposable incomes and a boost in tourism, according to EMI, while at $101 per capita; the UAE is one of the largest spenders per population of toys, games and video games in the world.
Due to the popular demand of toys in the UAE, international toy manufacturers and suppliers have their sights set at the upcoming Playworld and Paperworld Middle East 2017 trade show in Dubai.
The 7th edition of the three-day event is scheduled to take place from March 14-16 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.
New Capable from Hong Kong is among the manufacturers to attend the exhibition and will use the platform to showcase a variety of toys, sport games, educational games and children’s party items.
Robin Joe, sales manager at New Capable, said the company plans to launch several new products in the Middle East market, including magnetic blocks and remote-controlled drones.
“We would like to establish more business relationships with regional buyers at Paperworld Middle East, and to do so, we are launching several new items in a market that is increasingly demanding the latest in high-tech products,” said Joe.
Returning exhibitors to Playworld and Paperworld Middle East 2017 include Rockspring from Saudi Arabia, a supplier of children’s party items; and Yuhe Toys from China, a manufacturer of playground equipment and educational toys.
Meanwhile, debut exhibitors include Baby Mix from Poland, which covers the entire spectrum of baby items, from toothbrushes and strollers, to travel cots and pushchair toy bars; and Tigres, a Ukrainian manufacturer and distributor of children’s toys, baby bedding and clothing.
Paperworld Middle East 2017 is the Middle East and North Africa’s largest trade show for stationery, paper, and office supplies. It will feature more than 300 exhibitors from 36 countries showcasing their latest products. The trade show is expected to attract more than 6,500 visitors from 105 countries.