MENALAC AWARDS 2022 announced with new awards categories and a new jury format. Nominations to open soon.

The prestigious MENALAC Awards return in the fourth edition. The MENALAC Awards 2022 celebrate outstanding Leisure & Attractions operators in the MENA region across 27 exciting categories.  For the industry, by the industry. This perfectly encapsulates the Middle East and North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council (MENALAC). Continuing its tireless mission to add value to… Continue reading MENALAC AWARDS 2022 announced with new awards categories and a new jury format. Nominations to open soon.

How is the Attractions Industry Fashioning the Future with AR & VR?

AR and VR in entertainment is expected to reach US$ 45-20 billion by 2027. Dedicated to creating immense value in the regional Leisure & Attractions industry, MENALAC shares the views of global attractions heavyweights on the future of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in entertainment. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have… Continue reading How is the Attractions Industry Fashioning the Future with AR & VR?

MENALAC to launch region’s first-ever MENA Leisure Report Today

Launching on October 20, the MENA Leisure Report is a pioneering annual report that will set a significant new benchmark in the region’s industry The MENA Leisure Report’s launch event will be hosted at the InterContinental Festival City, Dubai  On a tireless mission to enrich the Leisure & Attractions industry in the Middle East and… Continue reading MENALAC to launch region’s first-ever MENA Leisure Report Today

MENALAC Attends Sea Expo 2021

MENALAC’s President and Deputy CEO & General Manager of Al Hokair Group, Entertainment Division – Mishal Al Hokair – inaugurated the expo Following the successful three-day run of the Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) Expo, MENALAC looks back on key highlights from the event. This was notably the first in-person exhibition for the Leisure &… Continue reading MENALAC Attends Sea Expo 2021

MENALAC Attends Sea Expo 2021

MENALAC’s President and Deputy CEO & General Manager of Al Hokair Group, Entertainment Division – Mishal Al Hokair – inaugurated the expo Following the successful three-day run of the Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) Expo, MENALAC looks back on key highlights from the event. This was notably the first in-person exhibition for the Leisure &… Continue reading MENALAC Attends Sea Expo 2021

MENALAC To Attend The Saudi Entertainment And Amusement Expo

Saudi Entertainment And Amusement Expo (SEA) returns on September 7 MENALAC’s President, Mishal Al Hokair, to deliver keynote speech MENALAC supports as Knowledge Partner for Day 3 of SEA conference One of the most anticipated events in the Leisure and Amusement industry is approaching. The Saudi Entertainment And Amusement (SEA) Expo & Summit, running from… Continue reading MENALAC To Attend The Saudi Entertainment And Amusement Expo

MENALAC Explores The Importance Of Supporting Local Leisure Suppliers

The Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) delves into what setting up as a regional leisure supplier requires, and why supporting them is paramount to the industry’s collective growth It takes a lot to set up as a leisure supplier in the MENA region. With the regional Leisure & Attractions industry… Continue reading MENALAC Explores The Importance Of Supporting Local Leisure Suppliers

MENALAC Unveils New “Future-Proof” Logo

The Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) debuts its new logo, inspired by fun and the future The industry of fun is transforming, embracing new trends and technologies to deliver an even better guest experience. Echoing this appetite for progress and change, MENALAC has hit refresh on its logo. Its exciting… Continue reading MENALAC Unveils New “Future-Proof” Logo

قطاع الترفيه بالمملكة العربية السعودية يشهد تحوالت كبرى واعدة

دبي، ١ يوليو٢٠٢١: تشهد المملكة العربية السعودية تحوالت كبرى في قطاع الترفيه والجذب السياحي تعتبر األبرز في منطقة الشرق األوسط، ذلك أن المملكة تعمل على ترسيخ مكانتها على هذهالخريطة بالمنطقة وفي ذات الوقت تقدم نموذجاًيحتذى لمختلف دول العالم. وبدأت المملكة في تنفيذ عدد من الفعاليات والمهرجانات التي تشجع المواطنين والمقيمين على استكشاف ما تتمتع به… Continue reading قطاع الترفيه بالمملكة العربية السعودية يشهد تحوالت كبرى واعدة

MENALAC Elects New Board At Its 5th Annual General Meeting

The Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) held an eventful Annual General Meeting in May where members unanimously adopted the annual financials of the association. The council also held elections to vote in a new board of directors and office bearers, after two years.  16 June 2021, Dubai – At its… Continue reading MENALAC Elects New Board At Its 5th Annual General Meeting

JOIN MENALAC انضم إلى مينالاك

Christy Aprilia

Sr. Marketing & Communication Manager – Hospitality & Entertainment

Dubai Golf

Christy Aprilia is a Senior Marketing Manager specializing in Hospitality and Entertainment at Dubai Golf, overseeing marketing strategies for six five-star properties. With over 20 years of experience in tourism, leisure, and luxury hospitality, she excels in brand development, digital engagement, and strategic partnerships. Christy holds a CIM Professional Diploma and has proven leadership in driving revenue growth and enhancing customer experiences. She combines operational insight with marketing expertise, passionate about sustainable growth and innovative brand awareness across the leisure and entertainment sectors in the MENA region.

Kelly Timmins

Executive  Director

Atlantis, Dubai

Kelly Timmins is Executive Director of Marine Animal Operations and Sustainability at Atlantis Dubai, where she drives the resort’s environmental and social sustainability agenda. With over 15 years of global experience in marine science and zoological management across the UK, Singapore, and Dubai, she leads transformative initiatives that advance responsible tourism and conservation. Kelly spearheads the award-winning Atlantis Atlas Project, which has raised over USD 500,000 to fund marine conservation and sustainability efforts globally. Under her leadership, Atlantis Dubai earned EarthCheck Gold Certification, multiple Dubai Sustainable Tourism Gold Stamps, and became the region’s first Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™ destination.

Carlos Pissarra

Founder | CEO
Unique Urban Solutions

Carlos Pissarra is a sustainability leader with over 30 years of expertise in urban and landscape design, specializing in innovative water features and multimedia shows. As Founder and CEO of Unique Urban Solutions and Chairman of Art of Water, he drives projects that blend art, technology, and environmental stewardship. Carlos leads sustainability initiatives in the public realm across multiple regions including the UAE, Qatar, and KSA. He heads the organizing committee for the Landscape Middle East Sustainability Awards 2023, promoting sustainable landscape design. His visionary leadership advances eco-friendly urban experiences that merge aesthetics with environmental responsibility.

Jamil Malek

General Manager – Entertainment at BAAN Holding (Al Hokair Group)

Baan Holding (Al Hokair Group)

Emma Jane Forest

Managing Director

Safety Skills Training

Emma Jane Forrest is a Business Development Director at SST, leading global growth for aquatic safety and training. With an MBA with distinction, she combines commercial insight, operational expertise, and strategic expansion skills. Emma has a strong background in leisure, entertainment, and attractions, excelling in building long-term partnerships aligned with sustainable growth. Previously experienced in international recruitment and scalable service delivery, she is passionate about aligning operational capability with strategic vision. Emma’s leadership supports SST’s mission to improve aquatic safety worldwide while promoting industry-wide sustainable practices and market adaptation.

Toheeb Ajiboye

Head of Lifeguard Department
Cyan Waterpark

Toheeb Ajiboye is a passionate aquatic safety and sustainability professional with a background in sports administration and health education. Originally from Nigeria, he built his career in Dubai’s waterpark industry—rising from lifeguard to Head of Lifeguards and E&A Lifeguard Instructor at Cyan Waterpark, Saudi Arabia’s first gender-inclusive and sustainably operated waterpark. With a focus on safety training, water conservation, and inclusive guest experiences, Toheeb champions operational excellence rooted in community engagement and environmental responsibility. His leadership reflects Cyan Waterpark’s mission to promote sustainable leisure experiences aligned with Vision 2030’s quality-of-life goals.

Renjith Sreenivasan

Director Technical Services
Oasis Quest

Renjith Sreenivasan is a seasoned technical services leader with over 25 years of experience in maintenance, operations, and project management across the GCC. As Director of Technical Services at Doha Oasis Quest, he oversees the performance, safety, and reliability of theme park attractions and rides. His prior roles at Qatar Airways, Majid Al Futtaim, MERAAS Holding, Landmark Leisure, and Al Hokair Group have shaped his expertise in strategic maintenance planning, safety compliance, and team development.

Shady Ismail

Operations Manager

Adventureland

Shady Mohammed is an entertainment operations manager with over 17 years of leadership experience in leisure, attractions, and hospitality across Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Proven success in launching venues, leading cross-functional teams, and enhancing guest experiences through strategic operations and safety excellence. Skilled in managing large-scale facilities, optimizing workflows, and mentoring multicultural teams. Certified in NEBOSH and IOSH, with expertise in venue launch, budgeting, guest service, and technical coordination. Adept at controlling costs, ensuring health & safety compliance, and delivering memorable guest experiences, contributing significantly to revenue growth and operational sustainability in the MENA entertainment industry.

Riang Carver

HSE Manager
Miral Experiences

Riang Carver is an HSE Manager at Miral Experiences, Abu Dhabi, bringing sustainability and safety expertise to one of the region’s foremost immersive leisure operators. With a solid academic foundation from Griffith University and deep practical experience, he integrates environmental stewardship with regulatory compliance across Miral’s diverse attractions portfolio. Riang drives initiatives that uphold health, safety, and environmental standards, supporting Miral’s commitment to creating sustainable, world-class entertainment experiences that balance guest joy with operational responsibility. His role is critical in advancing eco-friendly practices aligned with regional and global sustainability benchmarks.

Ahmed  El Sandoby

Senior safety officer
Dubai Municipality

Peter Stubbs

Director HSE

Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas

Rebekah  Marshall

Environmental Sustainability Manager
SEVEN

Sustainability Leader with an impeccable 20-year track record developing and operational in-house implementation of strategies & plans to support the public and private sectors, including tourism, entertainment, & aviation. Develops roadmaps and translates complex concepts into tangible action plans and visualization whilst providing innovative solutions to business challenges. Fosters partnerships and leads multi-functional diverse teams through collaboration, service, integration, and continuous improvement.

Phil  Dunn

Senior Manager, Terra, Sustainability Pavilion
Expo City Dubai

Phil Dunn is a sustainability leader with over 24 years of experience driving resilient projects in the MENA region, including Masdar City, The Sustainable City, and Expo 2020’s Terra: The Sustainability Pavilion. As Senior Manager of Sustainability at Expo City Dubai, he leads innovative initiatives on food, energy, water, biodiversity, and biomimicry. Specializing in real-world climate solutions, Phil focuses on corporate sustainability strategies, nature-based urban development, and achieving net-zero for energy, water, and waste. His expertise and project leadership make him a compelling voice on building sustainable futures and global environmental challenges.