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IAAPA is set to host its first Expo event in the Middle East with IAAPA Expo Middle East coming to Abu Dhabi in 2026. IAAPA’s president and CEO, Jakob Wahl, speaks to Planet Attractions
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Oct 2024
IAAPA is set to host its first Expo in the Middle East in 2026 Credit: IAAPA
“Finally. That was the word I heard from many - finally - this was overdue.”
Those were the words of IAAPA’s president and CEO, Jakob Wahl, following the announcement that the organisation after many years is bringing its trademark Expo to the Middle East for the very first time.
“We have done events in the region for a long time,” Wahl told Planet Attractions. “We saw the demand to have a stronger presence as an association.
“Every time we went to the region we were always asked ‘When is IAAPA coming?’ IAAPA Expos are different. We are not a commercial trade show organiser. We are an association, a not-for-profit and we invest back into those events. We have networking opportunities and edu-tours. We have a super strong education programme. We have relationships with the exhibitors because they're not just exhibitors, they are our members. That is what makes the difference. We have found a wonderful partner in Abu Dhabi and we said, let's go, let's do this.”
Taking place from March 30th to April 2nd, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East will feature a vast exhibit floor showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the attractions industry.
Adding to a calendar that already includes IAAPA Expos in Europe, Asia and the US, the Middle Eastern iteration of the event will connect key industry leaders, offer educational sessions with expert speakers, and will offer a look behind the curtain with behind-the-scenes tours.
“When you have been to the shows in Europe, Asia, and in the US, it is a state-of-the-art exhibition floor with the best vendors in this industry,” says Wahl.
“It is the best education programme in the industry, while our EduTours and networking opportunities offer our guests 'money can't buy' experiences.
“Our members have the opportunity to see behind the scenes, to learn from the operators about what works for them and what doesn't work for them. That is something where I think we have the best offering in the market.
“We have record shows one after another and we are looking forward to bringing that success recipe to our members in the region.”
As the location for the debut edition of IAAPA Expo Middle East, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a leading destination in the attractions industry, fuelled by recent investments over a number of years in world-class projects, with those attractions set to draw millions of visitors and elevate the region's global appeal. This, in part, was why Abu Dhabi was selected by IAAPA for the landmark event.
“In Abu Dhabi, we have a very strong partnership with Miral - one of our members - which has been very supportive in this process,” says Wahl. “Ultimately Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It has a strong flight connection across the world as a strong hub, and it has a thriving attractions industry. We all know about Yas Island with Ferrari World, Warner Brothers, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld.
“In addition, they have some of the biggest museum projects in the world, including the new Guggenheim, a new Natural History Museum, and a TeamLan venue, which is in the works. We see not only the theme parks but the museums and the many indoor attractions in the city. It is a great venue for us and for this new Expo's premiere.”
For the first edition of IAAPA Expo Middle East, the organisation is expecting to fill around 5,000sq m (53,800sq ft) of show floor space, with buyers from across the world coming to the event to learn, network and make deals with exhibitors.
“I think what makes our Expo special is that we are so successful because our team members care about it,” says Wahl.
“They build those relationships. Each of those people exhibiting, we know them personally and we care for them. We want them to be successful. It's the same with the operators and education sessions. We want each one of them to come and walk away being inspired, learn from that and be motivated. That is something which I think makes it special.”
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