SITTING IN FRONT OF A PICTURE WINDOW with sweeping views of Hong Kong’s skyline, Mike Rigby is 10,660 kilo-meters away from Dubai. He’s too focused to notice the iconic Chinese wooden sail-ing vessel—complete with its distinct, battened sails—gliding across Victoria Harbour next to him. Rigby looks intently at his laptop, corresponding with con-stituents back in the Middle East.
The temporary office setting at IAAPA Expo Asia 2026 gave Funworld an oppor-tunity to sit down with Rigby to learn his vision for the Middle East as IAAPA vice president and executive director of the new MENA region. It's a territory Rigby knows well after spending 11 years heading up WhiteWater’s presence in the Middle East. His portfolio includes col-laborations with Yas Waterworld, Atlantis Aquaventure, and multiple greenfield developments such as Meryal, Adrena at The Red Sea, and the recently opened Aquarabia Water Theme Park at Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia.
When did you first get “bit by the bug” to work in the attractions industry?
I was living in Barcelona working in television and telecoms when I saw a job posting offering the opportunity to travel the world selling water slides. I really did not know if this was a serious job! After WhiteWater offered me the role, my first day included flying to Orlando to attend IAAPA Expo. It was incredible to see how much joy the industry brings to millions of people every year. And, I’ve never looked back.
Why is now the right time for IAAPA to open a dedicated office in the region?
The MENA region includes some of the most fantastic projects in the world—and it is only going to increase. Over the upcoming years, we're going to see bigger projects, better projects, and projects that will break countless world records and will be renowned globally. This is a pivotal time. As the leading international expert, IAAPA can support our members in accomplishing their ambitions. We look forward to contributing with education, networking, and the best safety practices, bringing each to the MENA region—and then watching our members flourish.
What do you hope to accomplish during the first year in your new role?
I'm walking into an established association that is already a global powerhouse. The team is fantastic. Previously sitting under the ESA (Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa) office in Belgium, the team really has set huge foundations for me to build on. Looking to the future, it’s time to create our own MENA board to ensure we are catering to all our members across both geographies, which includes all consitutents, manufacturers, and suppliers. We’re excited for the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East in Abu Dhabi and all the potential that is still to be fulfilled.
How can members tap into your experience?
I like to think that I'm super approachable. I recommend members reach out: Please, let’s have a talk. If they see the team, please chat with them. Look into our resources online; join our webinars and understand the insights and perspectives from different parts of the industry that we bring together; attend our events as we look to make them fun and educational—they’re a great way to net-work with peers and colleagues. I am always at your assistance. We look forward to supporting your journey in the Middle East and North African attractions industry.
