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Middle East Expo Certification Opportunities

IAAPA Institutes are facilitated by industry experts and thought leaders to deliver essential industry knowledge via key modules and real-world case studies. Attendees won’t just gain valuable qualifications to boost their career – they will also make meaningful connections for the future.

IAAPA Institute for Attraction Professionals - Foundational Level

Friday - Saturday, 3 - 4 April 2026, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP) is the premier development program designed for those seeking a comprehensive foundation in the key areas required to operate various types of attractions.

For Attractions and Entertainment Industry Professionals

  • Individuals with three to five years in attractions and entertainment industry
  • Those with experience in museums, aquariums, zoos, theme parks, family entertainment centres, and more


Course Topics

  • Finance & IT Essentials: Financial metrics, budgeting, cybersecurity basics
  • Marketing, PR & Sales: Integrated marketing plans, social media strategy, brand purpose
  • Human Resources: Effective recruiting, onboarding, team leadership, DEI
  • Facility Operations: Building a service culture, risk assessment, safety management
  • Revenue Operations: Food & beverage best practices, games, merchandise
  • Entertainment: Production costs, immersive experiences, designing shows for all audiences


Included With Registration

  • Access to IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April 2026
  • Interactive discussions and group work to build practical skills
  • Supplemental online resources and online IAAPA courses
  • Printed Participant Guide to support learning activities
  • Networking Lunch
  • Backstage EDUTour of a theme park or attraction
  • Certificate of Completion and CEUs towards IAAPA certification renewal


Group Discount: For every three participants from one organisation, the fourth attends free!

For registration details or any additional questions, please contact [email protected].

IAAPA Institute for Attraction Professionals Resource Documents with Certified Logo

IAAPA Institute for Indoor Entertainment Professionals – Foundational Level

Friday - Saturday, 3 - 4 April 2026, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The IAAPA Institute for Indoor Professionals is designed for new owners/operators to the Indoor Entertainment Center sector, offering a fast-track introduction to the essentials of operating and managing indoor entertainment attractions. 

Developed from the proven success of IAAPA’s most popular indoor Entertainment Center training in the United States. For the very first time in the Middle East, participants will experience this industry-leading program, uniquely focused on the indoor entertainment segment — the region’s largest and fastest-growing market. 

For Indoor Entertainment Center Professionals

  • New managers of Indoor Entertainment Centers
  • Entrepreneurs planning to open or manage an Indoor Entertainment Center


Course Topics

  • Crafting Brand Story: Building Identity, Value, and Community
  • Considering Opening a Family Entertainment Center? Key Insights for Success
  • Funding Strategies: Identifying and Securing Capital for Your Venture
  • Managing Challenges in the Entertainment Industry: When the Fun Isn't So Fun
  • Strategic Staffing: Hiring for Growth, Culture, and Operational Harmony
  • Developing a Business Case for an Entertainment Venue Through Market Analysis
  • Capital Fundraising Strategies: Legal, Financial, and Regulatory Considerations
  • Fundamentals of FEC and Location-Based Entertainment Design
  • Delivering a Modern Food and Beverage Experience: Trends and Best Practices
  • Planning an Arcade: Key Considerations for a Successful Operation
  • Creating a Strategic Marketing Plan for a Successful Launch


Included With Registration

  • Access to IAAPA Institute for Indoor Professionals on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April 2026.
  • Networking opportunities
  • Lunch
  • Certificate of Attendance and CEUs towards IAAPA certification renewal


For registration details or any additional questions, please contact [email protected].

IAAPA Institute for Indoor Entertainment Professionals In Person Session with Certified Logo

IAAPA Safety Institute – Foundational Level

Friday, 3 April 2026, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The IAAPA Safety Institute is a one-day program designed for professionals in operations, maintenance, and safety who are new to the industry, are interested in cross-departmental development, or are seeing a foundational understanding of safety culture, maintenance, and operational best practices.

For Safety and Operations Professionals

  • Safety and operations managers at attractions
  • Facility engineers and maintenance teams
  • Industry professionals looking to enhance their knowledge of safety standards


Course Topics

  • Safety Management Systems: Building a proactive safety culture
  • Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating operational risks
  • Emergency Preparedness: Crisis response and evacuation planning
  • Regulatory Compliance: Understanding global and regional requirements
  • Case Studies: Lessons learned from real-world safety incidents


Included With Registration

  • Access to IAAPA Safety Institute – Friday, 3 April 2026
  • Networking opportunities
  • Lunch
  • Certificate of Attendance and CEUs towards IAAPA certification renewal


For registration details or any additional questions, please contact [email protected].

IAAPA Safety Institute In Person Learning with Certified Logo

IAAPA Institute for Executive Development (IXD) – Executive Level

Sunday - Monday, 5 – 6 April 2026, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The IAAPA Institute for Executive Development (IXD) is the global attractions industry’s premier professional development program for leaders in senior-level roles preparing for the next step on their career path or those who have recently transitioned into executive level roles. This program is applicable to leaders from all attraction types who are ready to strengthen their strategic and organizational leadership skills.

For Attractions and Entertainment industry Leaders

  • Who have 7+ years of experience in the industry
  • Who are senior leaders ready to take the next steps in their career
  • Who are executives who recently transitioned into their role (three years or less)


Course Topics

  • Building Executive Presence and Influence: Developing your executive leadership style
  • Guiding Teams That Thrive: Building a strong and healthy team culture
  • Developing Leaders at Every Level: Succession planning to secure long-term organizational success
  • Executive Resilience and Sustainable Leadership
  • Strategic Financial Planning: Transitioning your mindset from managing operations to shaping strategy
  • Leveraging Technology for Executive Decision Making: Redefining existing knowledge for future-focused decision-making


Included With Registration

  • Access to IAAPA Institute for Executive Development – Sunday 5 and Monday 6 April 2026
  • Networking opportunities
  • Lunch
  • Certificate of Attendance and CEUs towards IAAPA certification renewal


Travel and Accommodation Information

  • Transportation from IAAPA Expo Middle East in Abu Dhabi, UAE to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is not included.
  • Hotel accommodations in Riyadh are not included.


IAAPA Foundation Scholarship Available for IXD:
Applications are open now through 31 January, 2026 for the WhiteWater IDEA Scholarship awarded through the IAAPA Foundation. One recipient will receive a scholarship to cover registration for IXD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in April 2026.


For registration details or any additional questions, please contact [email protected].

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