IAAPA has celebrated the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2024 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

A successful event lay in the participation of 400 attendees and 45 exhibitors. The summit was organised by Miral, and the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Convention and Exhibition Bureau, in which the event hosted two days of insightful education sessions featuring 27 international experts.

The summit included workshops and sessions discussing the latest trends and product innovations in the industry.

The Midde East Trade Summit opened with a welcome keynote address by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. Additional speakers included Scott O’Neil, CEO, Merlin Entertainments; Ahmad Hussain, COO, Dubai Holding Entertainment; and Don Potts, President, Qiddiya Investment Company.

Moreover, there were further industry leaders participating from Department of Culture and Tourism: Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi – Al Qana, Atlantis Resorts, Majid Al Futtaim, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), amongst others.

The popular EDUTours took trade visitors to Yas Island’s theme parks and attractions, enabling them to gain valuable insights into the operations and creative processes behind these leading attractions. The visitor attractions included SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi; and Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. 

The Summit also presented the inaugural edition of the IAAPA Ride Safety Report, specifically tailored for the Middle East region.

During the Summit, IAAPA announced it will be expanding its presence in the region with a local office in Dubai and appointing Ahmed Zakaria as the Director of Operations for the Middle East

“I am excited to have Ahmed join the IAAPA team and look forward to exploring new opportunities in the Middle East by having a local office available to interact with members and industry partners,” said IAAPA EMEA Executive Director and Vice President, Peter van der Schans. 

“Our education and trade events have grown significantly in recent years, and this is evident even today as we host the 2024 Middle East Trade Summit in Abu Dhabi with 45 exhibitors and 400 attendees.”

Images: IAAPA