Abu Dhabi Secures Landmark Global Attractions Summit: IAAPA Expo Middle East To Redefine Regional Tourism And Leisure

Published on November 28, 2025

The formalization of a significant new event for the global attractions industry has been announced, positioning the Middle East at the forefront of sector development. In a pivotal collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the association known as IAAPA, which serves as the premier global entity for the attractions industry, has officially opened the registration period for its landmark debut event in the region. This highly anticipated exhibition, designated the Inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East, is confirmed to be held from 30 March to 2 April 2026.

The hosting duties have been designated to the prestigious Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This momentous occasion is recognized as a profound step in fostering global connections and elevating regional industry standards, signifying the first occasion upon which a world-class gathering of this nature is brought to the area under IAAPA’s banner. Thousands of esteemed tourism industry experts are anticipated to converge upon the emirate, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the forging of vital partnerships across the expansive sector.

A New Cornerstone for Regional Industry Development

The establishment of this exhibition represents a significant historical point for the global association and the flourishing regional market. The Inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East is being created specifically in response to a palpable and sustained demand emanating from various stakeholders. Both long-standing IAAPA members and numerous local and regional entities, including organizations deeply involved in the attractions and theme parks segment, have sought the introduction of a globally recognized, comprehensive industry event within the Middle East. The commitment to hosting this world-class gathering is thus regarded as a direct affirmation of the region’s growing importance in the international leisure landscape.

The Comprehensive Program of Learning and Connection

The 2026 edition of the IAAPA Expo Middle East has been meticulously planned to showcase a powerful and robust program, the delivery of which is uniquely facilitated by IAAPA as the industry’s leading membership association. Attendees will find themselves immersed in a structured environment designed to maximize professional development and business opportunities. A central component of the experience is the trade show floor, for which an impressive number of contracts have already been secured. It has been confirmed that more than 300 exhibitors have contracted their participation, signaling the immense commercial interest in the Middle Eastern market and ensuring a wide range of products, services, and cutting-edge technologies will be on display.

Cultivating Future Talent Through Specialized Institutes

A significant element distinguishing the IAAPA Expo Middle East agenda is the inclusion of the association’s staple career-advancing institutes. These specialized training programs are pivotal tools for the professional development and accreditation of industry personnel. Participants will be offered enrollment in several key curricula, including the highly respected Institute for Attraction Professionals, the specialized Institute for Indoor Entertainment Professionals, and the critically important Safety Institute. Each of these programs is structured to provide deep, practical knowledge and is recognized for granting participants valuable credit hours that are applicable toward the attainment of official IAAPA Certification.

Strategic Endorsement and Visionary Leadership

The profound significance of this inaugural event has been emphasized by key figures within the IAAPA leadership structure. It was shared by Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President, IAAPA EMEA, that the announcement marks a thrilling culmination of several years of detailed preparation and strategic planning. The focus of the association has been steadily shifted toward actively strengthening its presence in the region, an effort that has involved the successful execution of multi-day summits and institutes. Crucially, strong collaborative partnerships have been established with influential local bodies, most notably the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT). This long-term commitment is further evidenced by the investment made in local talent through the establishment of a regional office. Consequently, this highly anticipated event is being viewed not merely as a single exhibition, but as a significant milestone in a protracted and dedicated journey of regional engagement and development.

Abu Dhabi: A Global Hub for Entertainment and Leisure

The selection of Abu Dhabi as the location for the inaugural expo is a reflection of the emirate’s rapid and successful transformation into a leading international destination for attractions and leisure travel. This developmental acceleration has been significantly fueled by substantial and strategically deployed investments into world-class projects. The city’s portfolio of attractions already includes monumental developments, such as Seaworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, which holds the distinction of being the first SeaWorld park to be established outside of the U.S. This ambitious project was brought to fruition by Miral, the prominent creator responsible for numerous immersive destinations and experiences within the emirate, demonstrating the local expertise available.

Furthermore, Abu Dhabi is actively preparing to welcome an array of even more transformative and culturally significant projects that will redefine its global profile. These include the eagerly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the vast Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and the confirmation of the future development of Disneyland Abu Dhabi. These large-scale, high-profile developments powerfully reinforce the fundamental strategy of the emirate, which is focused on positioning itself as a premier global hub for culture, entertainment, and the wider tourism sector.

Shaping the Future of the Attractions Landscape

The anticipation surrounding the IAAPA Expo Middle East stems from its promise to provide opportunities that are truly unmatched in scope and quality for professionals operating within the attractions field. Attendees will be afforded the exceptional chance to discover pioneering innovations, to establish critical connections with influential industry leaders, and to actively participate in discussions that will ultimately shape the future of attractions across the region and beyond.

The extensive trade show floor and targeted educational offerings ensure that visitors will have ample opportunity to explore the latest new products and emerging services, to engage directly with industry experts at the forefront of their respective fields, and to gain unique, deep-seated insights into the most recent global trends and advanced technologies being deployed. The convergence of professional learning, high-level networking, and commercial discovery is intended to propel the regional attractions market forward. The Inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East is thus positioned as an indispensable calendar event, confirming the pivotal role of Abu Dhabi as the nexus for leisure industry growth and strategic development in the years to come.