IAAPA Welcomes Michael Rigby as Vice President and Executive Director of Middle East and North Africa region

Orlando, FL (April 14, 2026) — IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Rigby as the first Vice President and Executive Director of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, an exciting new chapter as the association continues to expand its global footprint.

Rigby brings more than 20 years of international business experience and a proven track record in the leisure and attractions industry. Most recently, he served as General Manager of WhiteWater Middle East, where he led the company’s regional presence across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Based in the UAE for over a decade, Rigby has played a key role in advancing some of the region’s most high-profile projects, working alongside globally recognized destinations such as Yas Waterworld and Atlantis Aquaventure, as well as major new developments including Aquarabia at Qiddiya City and projects in the Red Sea.

A respected industry leader, Rigby has built strong partnerships across the leisure, hospitality, and real estate sectors, helping to position attractions as powerful drivers of tourism and economic growth. He has also been an active contributor to the industry, serving in leadership roles with Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) events committee and the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), as well as being a supportive member of IAAPA. 

In his new role, Rigby will lead IAAPA’s efforts to grow and support its membership across the MENA region — one of the fastest-evolving and most dynamic markets in the global attractions industry.

“Michael’s deep regional expertise, industry relationships, and strategic vision make him the ideal leader as we establish and grow IAAPA’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the team during this pivotal time of expansion.”

Rigby will be based in the UAE and will focus on strengthening member engagement, expanding educational offerings, and supporting the continued development of the attractions industry throughout the region.

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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; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City, Mexico. 

Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA

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