At the ongoing IAAPA Expo Europe event in Amsterdam, IAAPA revealed it is to launch a new IAAPA Expo event to be held in the Middle East.
IAAPA Expo Middle East is set to take place from 30 March to 2 April, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
IAAPA Expo Middle East will feature a “vast exhibit floor showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the attractions industry.”
As with IAAPA’s existing three trade shows worldwide, this event will connect key industry leaders, offer educational sessions with expert speakers, and provide behind-the-scenes tours, giving attendees exclusive insights into the industry.
The Middle East has become an emerging market for some years with many exhibitors at this weeks’ IAAPA Expo Europe having a footprint in the Middle East.
It was announced that IAAPA Expo Middle East will move to a new location within the region each year, ensuring comprehensive coverage and engagement across the entire area.
Abu Dhabi has emerged as a leading destination in the attractions industry, fuelled by recent investments in world-class projects. The city is home to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the first SeaWorld Park outside the U.S., which opened in 2023, and the expansion of Wild Wadi Waterpark, further solidifying its position as a hub for entertainment and leisure.
Upcoming attractions, such as the highly anticipated TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Natural History Museum, are set to draw millions of visitors and elevate Abu Dhabi’s global appeal. These developments are part of a broader strategy to position Abu Dhabi as a top cultural and tourism destination.
“We are thrilled to bring IAAPA Expo to the Middle East,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA. “This region is experiencing tremendous growth and innovation, and we are eager to support and elevate the industry here.
“Our expo will provide a platform for networking, learning, and discovering new opportunities. We look forward to creating a valuable experience for all attendees and participants and are enthusiastic about hosting the very first edition of this annual event in Abu Dhabi.”
Meanwhile, Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, said: “We are thrilled to host the first edition of IAAPA Expo Middle East here in Abu Dhabi, a testament to the city’s status as a global hub for business, tourism and entertainment.
“There is such tremendous opportunity emerging in the Middle East, and IAAPA will build a bridge for players across the attractions and leisure industry to share knowledge, collaborate, and innovate. The event will help boost collective economic growth and highlight Abu Dhabi’s commitment to elevating and advancing the emirate’s tourism sector – led by our Tourism Strategy 2030.”
Image: IAAPA
