IAAPA and MENALAC to Join Forces to Launch IAAPA MENA
Photo: by ZQ Lee from Unsplash
(eap) Around one month before the start of the first trade show of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) in the Middle East region, the association has announced to establish a regional office in the MENA region as well as joining forces with the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC). The launch will be celebrated during IAAPA Expo Middle East and will officially be in place July 1st, 2026.
IAAPA and MENALAC intend to bundle their efforts under the umbrella of IAAPA MENA to support members locally and further develop the industry in the dynamically growing region. MENALAC is a non-profit trade council that has represented leisure and attractions companies in the Middle East and North Africa since 2016. Established under the patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as the Dubai Association Centre, the council aims to consolidate the interests of the industry in the MENA region and to sustainably promote its development.
“By establishing IAAPA MENA, we’re ensuring that members in this dynamic region receive even stronger dedicated representation and resources while remaining fully connected to our worldwide network,” explains Jakob Wahl, IAAPA President and CEO. “MENALAC has been a passionate and effective advocate for the region’s attractions industry, and together we are combining the strengths of two respected organizations to empower innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.”
To structurally anchor the new region, the establishment of an IAAPA MENA Regional Advisory Board is planned, which is to be composed of IAAPA and MENALAC members. The chair of the Regional Advisory Board will also receive a permanent seat on IAAPA’s Global Board of Directors. In addition, specialist committees for Safety, Education as well as Manufacturers & Suppliers are planned. Furthermore, IAAPA intends to appoint a Vice President and Executive Director who will lead the Dubai-based IAAPA MENA team.
With IAAPA MENA, the association expands its existing regional structure with an additional location alongside IAAPA APAC, IAAPA Latin America Caribbean, and IAAPA North America. The current IAAPA EMEA office will in future operate as IAAPA Europe & Sub-Saharan Africa and will oversee both the European countries and the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
IAAPA Expo Middle East will take place from 30 March to 2 April at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. ■
