Tag Archives: IAAPA

IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2024 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi concluded with participation from 400 attendees and 45 exhibitors. Organized in collaboration with Miral, the creator of immersive experiences and destinations, and the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Summit hosted two days of insightful education sessions featuring 27 international experts. Industry leaders from globally renowned entities explored innovative strategies in destination development and management, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction to foster continued growth across the region’s attractions and theme parks industry. The Summit opened with a welcome keynote address by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. Additional speakers included Scott O’Neil, CEO, Merlin Entertainments; Ahmad Hussain, COO, Dubai Holding Entertainment; and Don Potts, President, Qiddiya Investment Company; with many more industry leaders from Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi – Al Qana, Atlantis Resorts, Majid Al Futtaim, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), amongst others. A series of interactive sessions and workshops discussed trending topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, sustainability, and innovative attractions. A selection of guided facility tours, or “EDUTours”, welcomed trade visitors to Yas Island’s world-class theme parks and attractions, enabling them to gain valuable insights into the operations and creative processes behind these leading attractions. Participants had the opportunity to visit the recently opened SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi; and Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The Summit also presented the inaugural edition of the IAAPA Ride Safety Report, specifically tailored for the Middle East region. During the Summit, IAAPA announced it will be expanding its presence in the region …

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), in collaboration with Miral are partnering to welcome a trade summit on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi from 22 – 24 January 2024. IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, continues to support the Middle East region with in-person offerings by welcoming attendees to this event. The IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit will take place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 22 to 24 January, 2024, after a successful trade summit in Riyadh last year. The full summit agenda offers access to the Trade Connections Area with 41 companies, a selection of educational sessions, networking events, and EDUTours like a visit to the brand-new SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – the region’s first marine life theme park. These EDUtours will also include three more visits to Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with the record-breaking Formula Rossa; Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi; and Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Attendees can register now and secure one of the limited spots for the Full Summit packages that include the EDUTours. Education sessions cover a variety of topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the challenges of digital transformation, and building destinations and attractions in a sustainable manner. Peter van der Schans, Vice President and Executive Director of IAAPA Europe, Middle East, Africa, said: “The Middle East is an important region and IAAPA is looking to build more relationships there while growing our membership. Abu Dhabi and the UAE have worked hard for years to build a vibrant attractions industry. We can’t wait to learn from their newest expansions.”