Latest news with #HindGaladari
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MENALAC CEO Conclave 2025: Shaping the future of leisure & attractions in a rapidly changing world
According to industry projections, the sector is expected to attract approximately 250 million visitors, contributing $14 billion to the regional economy by 2028. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia targets 100 million visitors annually by 2030. While the UAE aims to attract 40 million hotel guests annually under its Tourism Strategy 2031, allocating $27 billion to diversify its leisure offerings. For perspective, Abu Dhabi's Miral has announced AED13 billion worth investments in its Yas Island projects. Saudi Arabia's SEVEN is investing $13 billion to develop 21 entertainment destinations across the Kingdom. Qatar is expanding its attractions with projects including the Simaisma development, Land of Legends theme park set to open by 2028 and the recently opened Meryal water park. These initiatives highlight the region's commitment to diversifying its entertainment landscape to boost tourism. Dubai, UAE: Amid such buoyancy, the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) is all set to host the eighth annual Leisure, Entertainment and Attractions (LEA) Conference on April 7, 2025, at Taj Dubai, UAE. The centrepiece of the LEA Conference is the MENALAC CEO Conclave 2025, which is an exclusive gathering of industry leaders, visionaries and decision-makers in the MENA leisure, entertainment and attractions ecosystem. Under the theme 'Innovate, Engage, Transform: Leading Leisure and Attractions Forward by Crafting Lasting, Transformative Experiences for a Changing World,' this year the MENALAC CEO Conclave will explore the future of leisure and attractions industry through a robust lineup of keynote speeches, thought-provoking panel discussions and expert-led presentations across several key industry segments. Topics include global economic shifts and its impact on the industry, emerging entertainment trends amid tech revolution, guest experience monetisation, smart ticketing and revenue optimisation. Industry resilience related discussions will address inflation, supply chain challenges and the art of balancing marketing with operations. Creative strategy sessions will cover topics including cultural design, IP (intellectual property) storytelling, how resorts are becoming experiential hubs and participatory play innovations. While workforce development related sessions will focus on key issues including staffing challenges, mentorship and leadership growth. Commenting on the upcoming conference, MENALAC Board Member Hind Galadari who is also Chairing the MENALAC Education Committee said, 'The MENALAC CEO Conclave is a vital platform that unites industry leaders to drive the future of leisure and attractions in the MENA region. This annual gathering fosters knowledge sharing by tackling critical topics such as innovation, inclusion and sustainability, paving the way for a more diverse, skilled and gender-balanced workforce. By addressing emerging trends and operational challenges, we are shaping an industry that not only entertains but also empowers and inspires future generations.' With the MENA leisure and entertainment industry estimated to witness robust growth despite existing roadblocks, the Conclave, like every year, will serve as a strategic platform to discuss emerging trends, share actionable insights and shape the future of leisure and attractions market in the region. About MENALAC The Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) is the official trade association for the leisure and attractions industry in the MENA region. Representing over 500 attractions, theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centres and support companies catering for the industry, MENALAC promotes industry best practices, professional development and business excellence. For media inquiries or to register for the MENALAC CEO Conclave 2025, please visit or contact info@
Arab News
19-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry
RIYADH: Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the region's entertainment industry, in operations, strategy and risk management. At the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025 in Riyadh on Tuesday, female executives shared how they are adapting leadership strategies to meet the sector's rapid evolution. For many professionals in the region, careers in entertainment were not an obvious choice. Nada Radwan, business development manager at Adirondack Studios, spoke about her transition from interior design to themed entertainment. 'In the Arab world, family plays a big role in career choices, and medicine and engineering are often seen as the safest options,' she said. 'For me, I knew that math and chemistry were not for me, so I chose interior design — something creative yet practical.' She described how her fascination with how spaces evoke emotions led her into the entertainment industry. 'I had no plan of becoming anywhere close to this industry. I just followed what excited me,' she said. 'My advice to those considering a career shift? Go for it. Build on what sparks joy for you, be open to learning, and move forward with no regrets.' With the industry rapidly expanding, a new challenge has emerged — managing a younger workforce with different priorities. Hind Galadari, deputy general manager at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, highlighted the evolving expectations of Gen Z employees. 'They don't care about job security the way previous generations did,' she said. 'They care about their well-being, their purpose, and what they can contribute to the world.' Moderated by author and development coach Maya Mattar, the session, 'Women Transforming the Middle East's Entertainment Industry,' set a bold tone. 'This is not your typical women's empowerment session,' Mattar said. 'We are not here to preach or hand out badges of honor. In this room, we have a seat at the table, and let's be honest — it's a pretty good seat.' Lina El-Deek, partner at PwC Middle East, emphasized that the success of entertainment projects depends on balancing customer experience, financial sustainability and data security. 'We have an existential risk in driving the right customer experience,' she said. 'It's all about how people feel when they visit our attractions. Will they come back? Will they recommend it to others? If we don't get this right, we fail.' She also stressed the importance of building inclusive workplaces. 'This business is all about diversity. We bring people from across the world, and we need to manage that properly,' she said. 'Leadership must set the right tone, create clear cultural policies, and engage employees through active inclusion.' Galadari emphasized the need for adaptability when improving workforce culture. 'The culture doesn't change overnight,' she said. 'The park opens in an instant, but the team takes time to transition. That's why hiring the right mindset, not just skills, is essential.'
