In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has officially opened registration for its inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East, set to take place from March 30 April 2, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
This landmark event
marks the association’s first-ever Expo in the Middle East, created in response
to a strong demand from both IAAPA members, as well as local and regional
entities and organizations within the attractions and theme parks industry, to
bring a world-class gathering of thousands of tourism industry experts to the
region.
With IAAPA’s presence,
the attractions community can connect to build diverse perspectives, dynamic
engagement, and broader reach across the industry.
Education sessions,
special events, networking opportunities, and behind-the-scenes tours are all
designed with the industry’s evolving needs in mind.
This 2026 edition will
showcase a robust program that only IAAPA, as the industry’s leading membership
association, can deliver.
More than 300
exhibitors are already contracted for the trade show floor and global thought
leaders will lead discussions on emerging trends, best practices, and
strategies for entering and expanding into the Middle East market.
EDUTours will offer
rare backstage access to local attractions on Yas Island, plus a unique
yet-to-be-announced post-tour.
As part of the agenda,
Expo Middle East will also feature IAAPA’s staple career-advancing institutes,
including the Institute for Attraction Professionals, Institute for Indoor
Entertainment Professionals, and the Safety Institute – each earning participants
credit hours towards IAAPA Certification.
These programmes exemplify the
continued support and development of future talent.
Peter van der Schans,
Executive Director and Vice President, IAAPA EMEA, shared: “After years of preparation, we are thrilled to
bring IAAPA Expo to the Middle East. Beyond organizing this Expo, we’ve been
actively shaping our presence in the region by hosting multiday summits and
institutes, building strong partnerships with organizations like the Abu Dhabi
Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), and investing in local talent with our
regional office. This event is a milestone in that journey.”
Jakob Wahl, IAAPA
President and CEO, added: “The
Middle East is experiencing tremendous growth and innovation, and IAAPA is
eager to support and elevate the industry here. IAAPA Expo Middle East will
provide a powerful platform for networking, learning, and discovering new
opportunities. We are proud to host the very first edition of this annual event
in Abu Dhabi.”
Abu Dhabi has rapidly
become a leading destination for attractions and leisure, fueled by significant
investments in world-class projects. The city is home to Seaworld Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, the first SeaWorld park outside the U.S., a development brought to
life by Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in
Abu Dhabi.
The emirate is also
preparing to welcome even more transformative projects such as the Guggenheim
Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
These developments underscore Abu Dhabi’s
strategy to position itself as a premier global hub for culture, entertainment,
and tourism.
IAAPA Expo Middle East
promises to provide unmatched opportunities to discover innovations, connect
with industry leaders, and shape the future of attractions in the region.
Attendees will have the chance to explore new products, meet with industry experts, and gain unique insights into the latest trends and technologies.-TradeArabia News Service