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As Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector rapidly expands, the demand for skilled, motivated, and engaged talent has surged. This session explores the challenges of recruiting and retaining top talent in this emerging market, specifically within the entertainment industry. Through case studies and global insights, attendees will learn how organisations are addressing key HR issues such as finding the right staff, nurturing talent, and building loyalty in a competitive environment. Real-world examples of innovative approaches to recruitment, retention, and workplace culture in dynamic, fast-growing markets will be presented. Designed for HR professionals and industry leaders, the session offers practical strategies and actionable takeaways to attract, develop, and retain the talent needed to thrive in Saudi Arabia’s booming entertainment sector and beyond.

Darryl Michael Speach brings his expertise to this thought-provoking session, emphasising the critical role of customer experience as a game-changing pillar in the attractions and entertainment industry. Designed for industry experts, this session delves into how exceptional customer experience can drive differentiation, build loyalty, and create memorable, impactful interactions. Attendees will explore cutting-edge approaches and strategies to redefine guest engagement and position their offerings at the forefront of a rapidly evolving market.

Leading the Middle East’s booming attractions and entertainment sector requires unique insights and strategies. A panel of accomplished female leaders will share their professional journeys, highlighting how they navigated the region’s evolving work culture. They will discuss fostering inclusive teams and driving meaningful innovation, offering practical advice tailored specifically for IAAPA attractions professionals. Attendees will learn the essential skills and qualities needed to excel in this dynamic industry, including building trust, inspiring teams, and confidently adapting to change. This session is ideal for professionals seeking actionable insights and inspiring conversations to lead with purpose and drive growth in the global attractions landscape.

Tokyo Disneyland broke new ground in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside the US. However, when designing the park’s lands, attractions, food and beverage offerings, and holiday celebrations, Oriental Land Company executives and Disney Imagineers debated to what extent the park should feature Japanese or American content and characteristics. Over the past few decades, the discussion of cultural recontextualization has evolved through Disneylands in Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, as well as global iterations of Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, and other themed entertainment companies. A decade and a half ago, theme park cultural recontextualization arrived in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in 2010. Among the exceptional challenges for global brand theme parks coming to the UAE is a demographic one as the country’s population is one of the most diverse in the world. This presentation comparatively examines, with salient examples, the extent and nature of cultural recontextualization at the four major theme parks in Dubai: IMG Worlds of Adventure, LEGOLAND, Motiongate, and Real Madrid World. The speaker proposes the cultural recontextualization of global theme parks should be understood as an ongoing semiotic process shaped by both a park’s naturalistic and sensory modalities and corporate and local pressures. The discussion of cultural recontextualization will continue to be vital and evolve as more themed entertainment venues plan to open in the region.