IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025
February 17 - 19, 2025
Six Flags Qiddiya City
Aquarabia Qiddiya City
Boulevard Riyadh City
Boulevard World
Pricing Details
| Pricing Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full Summit (Including dinners and EDUTours) | €795 | €1,325 |
| Trade Connections (Conference and exhibiting area only. No EDUTours and dinners) | Included |
- Education Programme
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Hear from industry leaders from the region and beyond about relevant
topics like:- Recruiting and training young talent
- The process of supplier selection
- The importance of animation; show design, IP management and characters
- Best practices in safety protocols
- Exhibit
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Trade connections and sponsorship opportunities are available to spotlight your company. Reserve your spot and connect with buyers in the region.
Review trade connections booth map here.
Companies that have exhibited with IAAPA before can submit an online application here. Otherwise, connect with [email protected] to start a new application.
Being a trade partner in IAAPA Middle East will be taken into account when doing priority booth allocation for IAAPA Expo Middle East 2026. Companies that have a trade booth in Riyadh in 2025 will be next in space allocation just after global exhibitors.
For more information regarding exhibiting package, pricing and sponsorship opportunities, review Trade Partner Exhibit and Sponsor Prospectus.
- Sponsor
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There is only one sponsorship opportunities left to spotlight your company. For more information, review Trade Partner Exhibit and Sponsor Prospectus.
- Attendee Lanyards - SOLD OUT
- Education Sessions Day 1 - SOLD OUT
- Education Sessions Day 2 - SOLD OUT
- Registration Confirmation Email - AVAILABLE
Interested in sponsorship or have any questions? Contact Annadora Buonocore at [email protected].
- Accommodation
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Accommodation is not included in any of the Summit packages. However, IAAPA secured discounted rates at the following hotels Radisson Hotel & Residence Olaya and Novotel Sahafa. Both hotels are around 20-25 minute drive from Boulevard Riyadh City.
Radisson Hotel & Residence Olaya is the main hotel used by IAAPA for this event. If you have a Full Summit package, transportation between this hotel and the events locations will be provided by IAAPA throughout the event. Make your reservation here.
For Novotel Sahafa make your reservation here using the following attendee code "bcgi" in the discount column.
- Travelling to Riyadh
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All Summit attendees – exhibitors, visitors and speakers require an e-visa from eligible countries to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Secure an e-visa through the official Visit Saudi website.
Visitors from countries that can't apply for an e-visa, can request a consulate visa through Saudi embassies and consulates.
The process for applying for your e-visa is as follows:
- Click here to start your e-visa applicaton process
- Complete the application form. You will need to provide personal information including full name, headshot photo, address, date of birth, passport details and travel plans
- Pay the e-visa fee using a credit or a debit card - The cost for the tourist e-visa is about SAR400. The visa cost includes a fee for full health insurance during your stay in Saudi
- Once approved, you will receive the e-visa by email
The e-visa will be a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourist to spend up to 90 days in the Kingdom.
If you need an invitation letter, please email Vicki Evans at [email protected] and share with her the following details: name, passport number, passport expiry date, country of issue and date of birth.
Do not hesitate to contact your own embassy in order to check if any other travel regulations apply.
- Exhibitor Services Guide
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What does the exhibiting trade partner package includes?
One access to trade connections area 18-19 February 2025 with a 3x3m booth with a counter, two chairs, a coffee table, a TV screen, a logo placement, electricity and lighting.
One complimentary registration to Full Summit, 17-19 February 2025, which includes access to education program, trade connections, two networking lunches, two networking dinners, and EDUTours.
Accommodation is not included in the package.
The Trade Partner Package includes one person registration to the event. Additional staff to represent your company should register using attendee registration. Further details will follow regarding registration process.
Are there any rules regarding booth personalisation?
Booth personalisation is composed of two logos one on the fascia board and one on the counter. Plus the content on a digital TV screen. No roll-ups or additional backdrops are allowed.
Please send your company's logo in EPS fromat to [email protected] before 17 January, 2025.
Venue information
Boulevard Riyadh City. Address: Riyadh 13513, King Turki Bin Abdulaziz I, Riyadh 13513 Saudi Arabia
Move-in information
All exhibitors can collect their badges at the registration counter starting 17 February, 2025 at 17:00. The move-in time for all trade connections is 18 February, 2025 from 15:00 to 16:00.Move-out information
The trade connections part of the event will conclude 19 February, 2025 at 20:00. Move-out time is from 20:00 to 20:30.Registration
The Trade Partner Package includes one person registration to the event. Additional staff to represent your company should register using attendee registration. Further details will follow regarding registration process.Can more than two people represent an exhibiting company?
Two people is the limit for Trade Partners with exhibiting booths. Suppliers have limited spots to ensure a healthy operator/supplier attendance ratio. Trade partners (companies with a booth in the event) are allowed one person per company, and can register a second one using regular attendee registration. Non-exhibiting suppliers are only allowed one person per company.- Cancellation policy for exhibitors/sponsors:
100% of the total fees payable under the agreement for any cancellation of a trade connection booth and/or sponsorship. Sponsor/Exhibitor agrees that payments or deposits made by Sponsor/Exhibitor may be used toward satisfying any cancellation fees due to IAAPA under this Agreement. Upon receipt of cancellation notice from Sponsor/Exhibitor, IAAPA shall have no further obligations to Sponsor/Exhibitor under this Agreement. IAAPA reserves the right to cancel any Agreement not paid in full and to retain as liquidated damages any amounts already paid. If IAAPA cancels this Agreement due to Sponsor/Exhibitors material breach, Sponsor/Exhibitor shall not be entitled to any refund, and any remaining balance under the Agreement shall become immediately due and payable.
- FAQs
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When is the payment deadline?
Participation is not confirmed until IAAPA has received full payment. Please pay your dues latest 10 days after receipt of your invoice, but not later than two weeks prior to the first event day. Your seat will be secured only upon receipt of payment. Thanks for your understanding that we will need to allocate your seat to the next person on the registration list if payment is outstanding after the payment deadline.
Transportation options from the airport?
There are several transportation options from the King Khalid International Airport. Uber is popular in Riyadh and a convenient way to move around the city.
Is there a dress code?
Dress code for this event is business casuak. Please also note that in respect to the local culture and traditions, hotels might request that all individuals must be dressed in either traditional local wear or smart casual. Short, sleeveless tops and sport shirts are not allowed.
- Are children/spouses and/or partners allowed at the event?
IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit is a business event. No one under the age of 18 may take part. Access to the programme is limited to attendees only.
Premium Sponsor
Event Sponsors
Speakers
William McCarthy
William McCarthy is an assistant professor of media and tourism at Zayed University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. His book, Contested Kingdom: Fan Attachment and Corporate Control at Disneyland, was published in 2024 by University Press of Mississippi. His articles have been published in leading academic journals including Tourism Geographies, Journal of Leisure Research, Quarterly Review of Film and Video, and Social Semiotics. He holds a PhD in Media from the University of Adelaide.
Stefania Garibaldi
Stefania is a seasoned executive and cultural content creator with over 20 years of experience leading the entertainment and media sector. Based on her diplomat academic background, strategic thinking skills, and business experience, she played a pivotal role in establishing one of the biggest international entertainment company in Saudi Arabia. Stefania has worked closely with key governmental decision-makers to secure deals and deliver several large-scale complex events with global entertainment leaders.
Kirin Sinha
Kirin Sinha is the Founder and CEO of Illumix, a leading technology company bridging the digital and physical worlds.
Founded in 2017, Illumix is driving the global shift from passive 2D digital experiences to immersive 3D interactions through its seamless cross-platform infrastructure. Illumix has already powered over 300 million digital-physical interactions across web and mobile in the past two years alone.
To date, Illumix has secured $31 million in funding with investors including Mark Cuban, Henry Kravis, Matthew Ball, Lightshed, Lightspeed, Sony and more.
Under Kirin’s leadership, Illumix was listed as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2020, named an honoree in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards, and spotlighted by Google as one of their limited partners for the Depth API to further enhance AR realism. Additionally, Kirin was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 List in 2022.
Kirin is one of the few woman-of-color founders and CEOs in Silicon Valley—even fewer have her technical background and expertise, and this gap has driven the company’s commitment to social change. Kirin received a degree in electrical engineering, computer science and mathematics from MIT and holds advanced degrees in mathematics, statistics, and business from the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, and Stanford.
Hind Galadari
Hind Galadari is a highly respected leader in the world of entertainment and attractions, with over a decade of experience that has taken her from the glitz and glamour of the Dubai International Film Festival to the heart-pounding excitement of United Arab Emirates’ world-class theme parks.
As the Deputy General Manager of Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi, Hind brings a unique perspective and a wealth of practical experience to her role. Her focus on people has been a hallmark of her career, and she has dedicated herself to supporting the development of engaged, effective, and high-performing teams.
Hind has held a range of positions throughout her career, including managing the Film Festival’s theatre operations, serving as part of the pre-opening team for Dubai Parks and Resorts - Motiongate, and playing a pivotal role in delivering Dubai’s Expo 2020 and transitioning into Expo City Dubai with its legacy attractions. In each role, she has demonstrated a keen understanding of guest expectations and a talent for creating innovative experiences that exceed them.
Hind's success is a testament to her exceptional leadership skills, her deep understanding of guest expectations, and her ability to create innovative experiences that engage and delight visitors. She hopes to inspire others with her unique perspective and infectious enthusiasm for the industry.
Nada Radwan
Nada's career has spanned the worlds of design, theme parks, events and entertainment for over 14 years within the Middle East. With an Interior Design background, and a people facing leadership role, Nada currently runs the ME Business Development department at Adirondack Studios for design and build of themed attractions.
Nora Okail
Young business leader & Serial entrepreneur | Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) EME division board member | experience designer specialized in Events, Entertainment, Culture & Tourism | industry professional enthusiast | 18 years of experience
King Salman Award winner for young female entrepreneur 2014, selected among 30 under 30 most impactful business owner in Saudi Arabia 2016, nominated as the 3rd most creative businesswoman in Middle East and Africa in 2012.
Mohamed Attia
Fahad Mohammed Al-Obailan
Group CEO & board member - Alhokair Group With over 21 years of experience and expertise to his role, Fahad is driven by a passion for customer experience and innovation, which has resulted in the successful implementation of several initiatives and projects. Fahda now is the Group CEO and board member of Al Hokair group that diversify in Entertainment, Hospitality, catering and investment. Fahad was previously Chief Tourism Officer of Almosafer (part of Seera Group) for over 6 years and has been instrumental in the transformation of Almosafer’s from an online travel agency into a holistic omnichannel travel brand that becomes as a full platform of travel. As a leader in the travel, tourism and entertainment industry & as vice chairman of the Riyadh chamber of commerce & industry's tourism committee, Fahad was spearheading Almosafer’s tourism vertical that encompasses leisure, religious and MICE activities across the company. Fahad was the business lead for Discover Saudi, Almosafer’s Destination Management Company, as well as Mawasim, Almosafer’s Hajj & Umrah tour operator, and created synergies across the company’s tourism portfolio.
Fahad is an active member of the business community and serves on several boards and committees.
Devanshu Mathur
Devanshu is a Partner in the Boston Consulting Group, Middle East office. He has been with BCG for 11 years and has worked in Middle East, South-East Asia, India and Africa. His core focus is entertainment & tourism destinations including amusement parks.
He has led multiple projects covering topics such as overall strategy, concept ideation, feasibility and IP partnership engagement for global leisure destinations. He has also designed business expansion strategies and delivery accelerator programs for entertainment / tourism companies.
He works closely with KSA's key entertainment entities and authorities supporting them in translating their vision to reality.
Devanshu holds a Master of Technology engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
Zeina Dagher
Zeina Dagher, SVP of Dubai Dubai Holding Entertainment comes with more than 13 years of experience in the Entertainment, Malls, and Operations sector. Before joining Dubai Holding Entertainment, Zeina has seen a promising and enviable career path with Emaar, as CEO of Emaar Entertainment, managing the world's tallest tower; The Burj Khalifa as well as handling a portfolio of more than 12 mega attractions (ranging from Cinema's Aquariums, FEC's, world‘s fastest roller coaster, edutainment, and the world iconic Dubai Opera. Having been behind the success of the World's Highest Observation Deck, At the Top, Burj Khalifa. Burj Khalifa has been a recipient of several awards and recognitions and is now the most visited Tourist Attraction in the UAE with over 24 million visitors since opening.
Zeina has been named ”Leisure and Entertainment Personality of the Year” in 2023 by MENALAC (Middle East & North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council.
Zeina has recently transitioned from a CEO role at Emaar Entertainment to Senior Vice President at Dubai Holding Entertainment, where she spearhead the strategic operations of Global Village, the flagship asset, and provides leadership across an array of premier attractions within the Dubai Holding Entertainment portfolio such as Dubai Parks and Resorts, Ain Dubai, Wild Wadi, Green Planet, Sea Breeze (JBR) Roxy Cinemas. Zeina
Currently Zeina leads the largest asset within Dubai Holding Entertainment, Global Village, one of the largest parks in the region. In 2023, under her leadership, Global Village achieved a record footfall of 10 million visitors, marking a significant increase of 1 million visitors compared to the previous year. This growth reflects my direct contribution to the park's success.
Peter Boyack
Peter has 2 decades of Commercial experience across EMEA markets as a Partnership Director.
He spearheads Commercial department for Event Lab, focussing on Client Acquisition, Regional Growth, Performance Improvement and drives the GTM strategy across core sectors, including: Parks & Entertainment Venues, Sports, Music, MICE & Art & Culture.
Maya Mattar
French Lebanese born and raised, Maya Mattar is a people-development professional, educator, and speaker. In her 20 years of working in the service industry, with international experience across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, she has helped more than 10,000 individuals develop their skills. Maya has a master’s degree in Coaching Psychology and is passionate about helping individuals and organizations “change their doing by changing the viewing”. Maya was part of the award-winning Emirates Airline service training team and has led the core opening teams responsible in setting up, opening and operating different businesses in the leisure and entertainment sector for worldwide franchises and local organizations. Maya is the author of Amazon best seller book "Lasting Impressions - The Framework for Consistent Service Delivery". This book is a must-read for those in the service industry who are looking for practical tips and techniques on delivering excellence.