Character Dubai and Game Expo seal several deals

The Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair – Character Dubai and the Dubai World Game Expo (DWGE) ended with 10,000 professional and public visitors from the characters and cartoon, licensing and electronic games industries.

Several deals were signed during the three-day event.

Abdul Salam Al Madani, President, Index Holding, said: "The success achieved at the second edition of Character Dubai and Game Expo was beyond expectations and we are delighted by the number and quality of participants and visitors."

Character Dubai and DWGE feature prominent dedicated activities including Dubai International Character and Licensing Conference, Dubai World Game Summit presented by twofour54 and World Game Championship all of which aim to promote the industry in the region.

Dubai Character and Licensing Fair, the only dedicated licensing trade fair in the Middle East, is a venue that brings together leading animation producers, content creators, comics, media, advertisers, graphic designers, manufacturers, retailers, licensees, licensing agents, licensors and other industries.

Emari Toons and Speedy Productions signed a deal worth more than $22 million (Dh80.7m) at the Character Fair 2009, which took place at the Dubai International Exhibition and Conferences Centre. The agreement includes producing a series of 22 episodes that will display facts and challenges of each and every Arab country.

Freej also signed a deal with Al Hokair Group from Saudi Arabia.

Al Hokair Group, which specialises in tourism and hospitality in Saudi Arabia, will be the exclusive distributor of Feej characters in the Saudi market.

Majid Al Hokair, Executive Chairman of Al Hokair Group, said: "This agreement is part of the group's strategy that aims to achieve integration in the entertainment projects; we also believe Freej will be welcomed warmly in the Saudi market."

Mohmmed Saeed Harib, the Creator and Director of Freej animated cartoon, said: It is great that Om Khammas, Om Saeed, Om Allawi and Om Salloum will be able to travel to other Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, where they will have the chance to meet their fans and I am excited that Ayayez Al Freej will be a sort of joy to everybody there."

The event presents new investment opportunities for investors and global brand companies and allows them to enter the UAE and the regional markets that are worth about $10 billion.

On the other hand, many electronic games were launched during the Dubai World Game Expo.

The Pixel haze launched a game called Seven.

"The Electronic Games market in the Middle East is one of the biggest markets in terms of audience, as the number of gamers in the Middle East is enormous, therefore, local companies should boost their efforts to reach the decision makers of this industry," said Kanika, the business manager of Pixel Haze.

The Dubai Character and Licensing Fair and the Dubai World Game Expo is endorsed by Emirates Science Club, The Cultural and Scientific Association, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Summer Surprises, Modesh World, the Arab Asian Entertainment content and Licensing Alliance, International Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association, Naturalisation and Residency Administration- Dubai, Tokyo International Anime Fair, Total Licensing, Total Contents Licensing and Merchandising Magazine, Weyak from Etisalat, Magic Planet, MTV Arabia, Samsung, Virgin Radio, Suoq.com, World Cyber Games, Emirates Network, Nordic Game, China Joy, Taipei Game Show and Italian Video Game Developers Conference.

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