With the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s attractions and entertainment industry poised for strong growth - expansion driven by major investments - 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 7th April at Taj Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The centrepiece of the LEA Conference will be the MENALAC CEO Conclave 2025, an exclusive gathering of industry leaders, visionaries and decision-makers in the MENA 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 the 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 and Chair of the MENALAC Education Committee, Hind Galadari, stated “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.”
According to industry projections, the sector is expected to attract approximately 250 million visitors, contributing US$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 US$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 US$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.
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.
Click here for more information on the in our industry Calendar.
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
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