Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, in collaboration with Miral, a creator of immersive experiences and destinations, and the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Convention and Exhibition Bureau, are partnering to host the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi from 22-24 January 2024.

The IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2024 will provide an unparalleled conference program to explore the latest trends fostering continued growth across the region’s attractions industry. High-profile speakers and panelists from some of the world’s most dynamic leisure, entertainment, and tourism brands will share their knowledge with participants, including Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, who will deliver the welcome address; Scott O’Neil, CEO, Merlin Entertainments; Ahmad Hussain, COO, Dubai Holding Entertainment; and Don Potts, President, Qiddiya Investment Company.

The trade event promises to deliver on inspiration and best practices in trending topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, digital transformation to enhance visitor experience, embedding sustainability in the business model, planning and designing of innovative attractions, and destination development.

“IAAPA has the mission to support the attractions industry and contribute to its development and future. Education is an important pilar to build a bright future and we would like to make this as accessible as possible to all professionals in the industry” said Peter van der Schans, Vice President and Executive Director of IAAPA Europe, Middle East, Africa.

Key highlights from the education program include:

  • IAAPA EMEA 2022 Middle East Ride Safety Report – IAAPA will present the inaugural edition of the IAAPA Ride Safety Report, specifically tailored for the Middle East region. This study offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of ride-related incidents in theme and leisure parks across the Middle East. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into the volume, nature, and underlying causes of ride accidents in the region, a first-of-its-kind data compilation in the Middle East.
  • Pulse of the Industry: Operators Insights into the Middle Eastern Attractions and Market – This session assembles distinguished operators from across the Middle East, each ready to share their expertise in management, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction. The panel will offer valuable insights into the operational challenges and opportunities of the Middle East’s leisure industry, providing actionable strategies to navigate rapidly evolving market conditions and achieve operational excellence.
  • Managing World-Class Destinations – This panel discussion brings together a diverse group of influential operators and stakeholders from various renowned destinations. This interactive session will explore various perspectives on destination development, including challenges faced, innovative strategies employed, and visions for the future. The discussion aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of what makes a destination truly world-class, drawing parallels and contrasts to the vision outlined for Yas Island.

As Nico Reynders, Senior Membership Manager of the IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa region said, “It is great education, networking opportunities and it is free. Anyone working in the attractions industry should register and come”.

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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About Miral

Miral Group is a leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, that contributes to the growth of the leisure and entertainment industry and Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification. It conceives, creates, operates, and manages immersive destinations and experiences that attract visitors from across the world to create unforgettable memories, accelerating the realization of the Emirate’s tourism vision and growth.

Responsible for the development of Yas Island and overseeing Saadiyat Island's Destination Management Strategy, Miral’s portfolio of world-class assets incorporates entertainment, leisure, culture, sport, dining, retail, and hospitality experiences, aiming to deliver millions of memorable moments for residents and international guests alike. These include SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina, and Yas Bay Waterfront, home to the UAE’s largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, amongst others. Miral also has several projects being developed on Yas Island and across the emirate, including teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and a Harry Potter themed land within Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Miral Group encompasses three subsidiaries: Miral Destinations, which promotes unique destinations; Miral Experiences, which operates a diverse portfolio of world-class, award-winning immersive experiences; and Yas Asset Management, which operates and manages a portfolio of vibrant destinations including F&B, retail, marinas and hospitality properties across Yas Island.

For more information, visit www.miral.ae.