IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced that its IAAPA Expo Middle East will not be held as planned due to the situation in the Gulf.
The decision was announced to postpone the event, due to have run at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, 30 March-5 April, 2026, following a meeting with the IAAPA Board of Directors on 10 March.
IAAPA said it had been closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East as recent events continue to unfold and that the safety and wellbeing of IAAPA members, exhibitors, attendees, partners, and colleagues remained the association’s highest priority.
IAAPA said the decision to postpone the launch event to 2027 followed extensive discussions with key stakeholders, including the IAAPA EMEA Regional Advisory Board, the IAAPA EMEA Manufacturers & Suppliers Committee, the feedback of the MENALAC Board of Directors, exhibitors, speakers, and local members.
“This was not an easy decision,” said Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA. “We recognise the time, investment, and commitment of our members and partners dedicated to what would have been the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East. We are grateful for their support and understanding as we prioritise the safety and best interests of our global community.”
IAAPA said it would will be in direct communication with exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and registered attendees regarding next steps.
The association underlined that it remained committed to supporting the attractions industry across the region and looks forward to bringing the community together next year at IAAPA Expo Middle East, scheduled to take place, 12–15 April 2027.
To view Jakob Wahl,’s full message see here.
Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centres, zoos, aquariums, science centres, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.
The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, US. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City, Mexico.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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