Article

IAAPA Celebrates a New Milestone in the Middle East

January 29, 2024 • 09:01 AM • By Angi Puigferrat

Group photo of IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit attendees, with more than 400 participants from over 35 countries represented throughout the Middle East and European regions. Credit: Courtesy of IAAPA EMEA

With the recent announcements of IAAPA opening a regional office in Dubai and recruiting Ahmed Zakaria as Director of Operations for the Middle East, this important milestone is now complete and offers IAAPA the opportunity to up its game in the region.

As an indication of what’s in store for the future, IAAPA hosted the Middle East Trade Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi. Combined with the Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP), IAAPA looks back at a fulfilling week in the Middle East.

“The announcement of the opening of our new office in Dubai could not have come at a better timing. With the successful Trade Summit going on in the region, we had a great opportunity to show what IAAPA is and does best: connecting and supporting the industry and providing knowledge to our members,” says Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA EMEA. “I am very happy to have Ahmed Zakaria on board with us as he arrives with more than 20 years of experience in the exhibitions and event management industry across the MENA region and his addition will allow us to enhance services to our members and provide an efficient way to expand IAAPA events in the future.”

IAAPA's presence in the Middle East is an indication of future plans in strengthening connections within the region. Left: Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO at Miral Group. Center: Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA EMEA. Right: Håkon Lund, fourth-generation owner of the Lund Gruppen. Credit: Courtesy of IAAPA EMEA

Events like IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit provide a platform for more than 400 participants from over 35 countries. A three-day event with a robust education conference that is not only touching on global topics—such as innovation and sustainability—but also presents learnings from regional attractions.

The trade connections area doubled in size from last year, with 45 companies presenting their products and services for the entertainment industry. Many new connections were made, and business ventures will materialize from it. “Networking opportunities were fantastic and very well organised,” says Terry Monkton, CEO from Simworx.

“I have witnessed an established attractions industry eager to build even deeper connections and continuing to lead the innovation of our global industry,” Massimiliano Freddi, First Vice Chair IAAPA Board of Directors, remarks on the event as proof that the attractions industry in the UAE is mature and well-prepared.

IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit attendees visit Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, as part of the three-day event forging connections within the attractions industry. Credit: Courtesy of IAAPA EMEA

Miral was a true example of Middle Eastern hospitality, spoiling attendees with the highest attention to detail and making participants of the EDUTours to their four properties unforgettable; Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi.

Besides the extensive program, there were a couple of complimentary and unique experiences for a small group of attendees; an EDUTour to Snow Abu Dhabi from Majid Al Futtaim Group and the Roof Walk in Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi. Participants were delighted and surprised by the ability to cater such personal events during the summit.

With the opening of the new office in the region, IAAPA commits to deliver more of these events full of networking and learning opportunities.