IAAPA Expands Presence in Middle East with New Office and Director of Operations, Hosts Successful Trade Summit 

Ahmed Zakaria

Dubai, UAE (January 25, 2024) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced today that Ahmed Zakaria has been selected as the Director of Operations for the Middle East and will be establishing a local office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Ahmed arrives with more than 20 years of experience in the exhibitions and event management industry across the MENA region. Prior to joining IAAPA, Ahmed was the General Manager for MICE World, a Dubai-based exhibitions and conferences company specialized in events for the public sector and semi-governmental entities. Ahmed also previously held the role of General Manager for Informa PLC where he successfully established and managed business portfolios for exhibitions, conferences, and training activities in the Saudi Arabian market.

With expertise and proficiency in establishing and leading vertical and horizontal businesses, Ahmed will play a key role within the IAAPA EMEA team, focusing on consolidating and developing our membership reach in the Middle East region. His addition will allow the association to enhance services to members and industry connections in the Middle East and provide an efficient way to expand IAAPA trade events in the future. Ahmed holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Cairo University, Egypt and is a member of the Rotary Club of Dubai and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). 

“I am excited to have Ahmed join the IAAPA team and look forward to exploring new opportunities in the Middle East by having a local office available to interact with members and industry partners.,” said IAAPA EMEA Executive Director and Vice President Peter van der Schans. “Our education and trade events have grown significantly in recent years, and this is evident as we close the 2024 Middle East Trade Summit in Abu Dhabi with 45 exhibitors and 400 attendees.”

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About IAAPA 

IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.
The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; and, Mexico City, Mexico. Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA

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