FINAL_FW2607-08_DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 40
submitted by Sara Abu Shhadeh, marketing and
communication manager, IAAPA MENA
A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S A N D B E N E F I T S | G R O W T H
IAAPA to Continue MENALAC’s Success
Integrated Systems for Immersive Attractions.
Connect
with the new
Middle East
and North
Africa region
online at
IAAPA.org/
MENA
ON JULY 1ST, IAAPA MENA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
its own dedicated region in the Middle East and North
Africa, amalgamating the global know how and experience of the IAAPA membership base and the regional
expertise and legacy of MENALAC.
Established in 2016 under the aegis of the Dubai
Chamber of Commerce and the Dubai Association
Centre, the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and
Attractions Council (MENALAC) was created as a notfor-profit industry council dedicated to supporting and
advancing the region's leisure, entertainment, and attractions sector.
Bringing together operators, suppliers, consultants,
and industry stakeholders, MENALAC provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development across the MENA region. Through
conferences, networking events, educational initiatives,
research, and industry forums, the council helped foster
innovation, promote best practices, and strengthen
industry connections.
Through the strategic collaboration that began on July
1, IAAPA builds upon the strong foundation MENALAC
has established over the past decade—championing
the region’s interests, elevating industry standards, and
38
Funworld | JULY/AUGUST 2026 | IAAPA.org/Funworld
fostering collaboration among theme parks operators,
amusement parks, visitor attractions, family entertainment
centers, along with manufacturers and suppliers.
Together, IAAPA and MENALAC will provide localized education, advocacy, research, resources, and
expanded networking opportunities, while connecting
professionals in the region to IAAPA’s global community.
The collaboration also recognizes MENALAC’s
leadership and the Middle East’s growing expertise in
the regional indoor amusement and family entertainment sector, ensuring that operators of all sizes—from
large-scale destinations to indoor entertainment venues—receive dedicated support, industry insights, and
representation.
With MENALAC falling under the umbrella of IAAPA
MENA, this will only cement and further drive IAAPA’s
vision to be the leading resource for the attractions
industry, bringing the global industry together in every
region of this world, and representing all parts of this
dynamic industry.
IAAPA thanks the leading minds who founded
MENALAC and everyone who has contributed to this
wonderful association of professionals. IAAPA is excited
to write the next chapter together.
ENTERTAINING CHILDREN IN OVER 40
COUNTRIES FOR THE PAST 50 YEARS.
Introducing….
The NEXT GENERATION of
Kiddie Bumper Boats
WWW.KIDDIEBUMPERBOATS.COM
INFLATABLE POOL SYSTEMS
*Stock and Custom Sizes Available*
Manufactured and Distributed by
Bumper Boats Inc.
Newport, Rhode Island USA
401-849-7233
