FINAL_FW2607-08_DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 41
Composed by Scott Fais, senior director, IAAPA News
L E A D E R S H I P | 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
Mike Rigby to Lead Continued Growth in MENA
Industry veteran excited for the future in the Middle East and North Africa
SITTING IN FRONT OF A PICTURE
WINDOW with sweeping views of Hong
Kong’s skyline, Mike Rigby is 10,660 kilometers away from Dubai. He’s too focused
to notice the iconic Chinese wooden sailing vessel—complete with its distinct,
battened sails—gliding across Victoria
Harbour next to him. Rigby looks intently
at his laptop, corresponding with constituents back in the Middle East.
The temporary office setting at IAAPA
Expo Asia 2026 gave Funworld an opportunity to sit down with Rigby to learn
his vision for the Middle East as IAAPA
vice president and executive director
of the new MENA region. It's a territory
Rigby knows well after spending 11 years
heading up WhiteWater’s presence in the
Middle East. His portfolio includes collaborations with Yas Waterworld, Atlantis
Aquaventure, and multiple greenfield
developments such as Meryal, Adrena
at The Red Sea, and the recently opened
Aquarabia Water Theme Park at Qiddiya
City in Saudi Arabia.
When did you first get “bit
by the bug” to work in the
attractions industry?
I was living in Barcelona working in
television and telecoms when I saw a job
posting offering the opportunity to travel
the world selling water slides. I really did
not know if this was a serious job! After
WhiteWater offered me the role, my first
day included flying to Orlando to attend
IAAPA Expo. It was incredible to see how
much joy the industry brings to millions of
people every year. And, I’ve never looked
back.
Why is now the right time for
IAAPA to open a dedicated
office in the region?
The MENA region includes some of
the most fantastic projects in the world—
and it is only going to increase. Over the
upcoming years, we're going to see bigger
projects, better projects, and projects that
will break countless world records and will be renowned globally.
This is a pivotal time. As the leading international expert, IAAPA
can support our members in accomplishing their ambitions. We
look forward to contributing with education, networking, and the
best safety practices, bringing each to the MENA region—and then
watching our members flourish.
What do you hope to accomplish during the first
year in your new role?
I'm walking into an established association that is already a global
powerhouse. The team is fantastic. Previously sitting under the
ESA (Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa) office in Belgium, the team
really has set huge foundations for me to build on. Looking to
the future, it’s time to create our own MENA board to ensure we
are catering to all our members across both geographies, which
includes all consitutents, manufacturers, and suppliers. We’re
excited for the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East in Abu Dhabi
and all the potential that is still to be fulfilled.
How can members tap into your experience?
I like to think that I'm super approachable. I recommend members
reach out: Please, let’s have a talk. If they see the team, please chat
with them. Look into our resources online; join our webinars and
understand the insights and perspectives from different parts of
the industry that we bring together; attend our events as we look
to make them fun and educational—they’re a great way to network with peers and colleagues. I am always at your assistance.
We look forward to supporting your journey in the Middle East
and North African attractions industry.
Mike Rigby is
vice president and
executive director for
the newly-formed
Middle East and
North Africa (MENA)
region at IAAPA.
With more than 20
years of international
business experience,
he previously served
as general manager
of WhiteWater Middle
East. Based in the
UAE, Mike fosters
industry growth,
education, and
collaboration across
tourism, hospitality,
and entertainment
markets. Connect
with him on
:
IAAPA.org/Funworld | JULY/AUGUST 2026 | Funworld
39
