Latest news with #MENALAC
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
MENALAC announces newly elected board members following successful AGM
Dubai, UAE – Following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 19th June 2025, the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) is thrilled to announce several new additions to our board of MENALAC, as part of the associations bi-annual elections. This newly elected leadership team will work alongside the existing board to advance MENALAC's mission of strengthening and unifying the Leisure and Entertainment (L&E) industry across the MENA region. MENALAC continues to play a vital role as the region's leading representative body for the attractions and amusement sector. With a refreshed board comprising influential and experienced industry professionals, the Council is positioned to accelerate progress, set benchmarks, and lead conversations that shape the future of leisure in the Middle East and North Africa. 'Our newly elected board is fully aligned with MENALAC's enduring vision—to unite operators, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, tourism authorities, and regulators on a common platform that encourages collaboration and promotes high operational standards across the region. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to building a harmonized, safe, and forward-thinking leisure and entertainment landscape—one that evolves with the growing expectations of both consumers and businesses,' said Silvio Liedtke, Vice President of MENALAC. Over the coming term, MENALAC's leadership will focus on strengthening the industry's foundation through advocacy, education, and industry connectivity. By creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, promoting best practices in safety and operations, and offering platforms for regional and global networking, MENALAC will continue to empower its members and elevate the industry. The newly elected board will also steer MENALAC's efforts to enhance the availability and reliability of market insights and data—enabling better decision-making across all segments of the industry. Through high-impact events, conferences, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the Council aims to foster innovation and encourage excellence across the region's rapidly evolving attractions sector. As the L&E industry in the MENA region continues to grow and diversify, MENALAC stands ready to lead—championing the interests of its members and ensuring the region remains a vibrant, competitive, and globally recognised force in the world of leisure and entertainment. The MENALAC Board for 2025-2026 is as follows: Mr. Alwalid Al Baltan, Chairman & Founder, Rafeeh Entertainment Group - President of MENALAC, KSA Mr. Silvio Liedtke, CEO, Landmark Leisure - Vice-President of MENALAC, GCC Mr. Janardana Dattakumar, Director of Operations, Antic's Land – Treasurer of MENALAC, UAE Mr. Fahad Al Obailan, Group CEO, BAAN Holding, MENA Mr. Kareem Fayed, General Manager Entertainment Operation, Al Othaim Entertainment, MENA Mr. Peter Stubbs, Vice President - Technical Services | Project Delivery | Sustainability, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, MENA Sheikha Monira Al Sabah, CEO, Play Enterprises, Kuwait Ms Shifa Yusuffali, CEO, Ideacrate Edutainment, UAE Mr. Mohammed Alhinai, Managing Director, FunZone Oman, Oman Mr. Ahmed Yusuf, CEO, Seef Properties B.S.C., Bahrain Mr. Ahmad Kamel, CEO, Fawasel Advanced for Entertainment and Tourism, KSA Mr. Antoine Zgheib, Executive Director, Saudi Entertainment Venture (SEVEN), KSA Mr. Hussain Abdul Fatah Marafi, CEO, Fun Zone Park Kuwait (HM International Holding), Kuwait Mr. Prakash Vivekanand, Founder & Managing Director, The Zone Amusement Arcade, UAE Mr. Hassan Ahmed, Executive Director, Adventure World Entertainment, KSA Mr. Davide Camaiora, Managing Director, VIVATICKET, MENA Ms. Renee Welsh, CEO, EMBED & Booking Boss, MENA
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
MENALAC recognizes regional leisure leaders at 2025 Awards in Riyadh
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Middle East and North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council (MENALAC) proudly announced the winners of the 7th edition of the MENALAC Awards Gala on May 19, 2025, at a glittering ceremony held for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Widely hailed as the 'Oscars of the Leisure Industry,' the Awards brought together the region's leading lights to celebrate excellence, innovation, and trailblazing achievement across the dynamic MENA leisure and entertainment landscape. This landmark occasion not only marks MENALAC's debut in the Kingdom but also reflects Saudi Arabia's remarkable ascent as the region's entertainment and leisure epicenter. In line with MENALAC's mission, the Awards Gala remains a powerful platform for benchmarking, inspiring innovation, and honouring the best-in-class operators, leaders, and experiences reshaping the global attractions industry. What truly sets the MENALAC Awards apart is its rigorous and transparent judging process. An esteemed, independent panel of regional and international experts meticulously evaluated each nomination. Every stage of the selection process, from shortlisting to final verdict, was audited independently to ensure impartiality and uphold the highest standards of credibility. Record-Breaking Recognition Across 35 Categories This year's awards were the most comprehensive to date, spanning 35 diverse categories – from the best theme parks and water parks to game-changing innovations, sustainability leadership, and outstanding individuals. Highlights from the MENALAC Awards 2025 Winners List: Best Theme Park – Over 500,000 Visitors: Global Village, Dubai – Dubai Holding Entertainment Best Theme Park – Below 500,000 Visitors: Doha Quest, Qatar Best Water Park – Over 400,000 Visitors: Aquaventure World, Dubai – Atlantis Dubai Best FEC (20,000+ sq. ft): The DOCKX, Jeddah – Fawasel Advanced for Entertainment and Tourism Best FEC (Below 20,000 sq. ft): Fun City, RAK – Landmark Leisure Best Visitor Attraction: Global Village, Dubai – Dubai Holding Entertainment Best Edutainment Centre: The Green Planet™, Dubai – Dubai Holding Entertainment Best Sport / Active Entertainment: Activate, Dubai – Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment Best Integrated Leisure Destination: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – Miral Experiences Best CSR Program: Special Needs Happy Day – Al Othaim Entertainment Best Design – Amusement Parks: Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, Qatar Most Innovative Technology: Radian Smart Wristband – Semnox Solutions Most Unique New Concept Attraction: Endless Surf – WhiteWater Best Manufacturer: WhiteWater Best Technology Services Supplier: VIVATICKET Best VR & Digital Experience Content Creators: Triotech Best Sustainability Campaign: Aquaventure World Eliminates Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles – Atlantis Dubai Best Establishment Manager – FEC: Samjhana Bhandari, Fun Works, Yas Mall – Landmark Leisure Best Establishment Manager – Amusement Park: Adam du Plooy, Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park – Qatar A Night to Remember The MENALAC Awards 2025 was not only a night of recognition but also a gathering of leaders and visionaries who are driving a new era of entertainment in the region. The ceremony underscored the collective spirit of innovation, quality, and passion that continues to propel the MENA leisure and attractions industry forward. MENALAC extends heartfelt gratitude to its partners who made this memorable night possible: Rafeeh Entertainment, Al Othaim Entertainment, Blocks Group, Baan Holding, Cheer Amusement, Warehouse of Games, SEA Expo, Embed, VIVATICKET, ProSlide, Semnox, and UHY. As the MENA region continues its transformative journey, MENALAC remains steadfast in its mission to support, uplift, and champion the outstanding contributions shaping the industry's future. For media inquiries or high-resolution images, please contact: MENALAC:
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@
