Dear readers, 

As December draws to a close, MENALAC reflects on a year of milestones, momentum, and community shaping the MENA leisure and attractions industry, and we extend our warmest wishes to all members and partners for a successful and inspiring New Year 2026.

The MENA Leisure Report 2025 remains an essential resource for decision-makers, providing data, analysis, and expert perspectives to guide strategy, investment, and growth. Make sure your office secures its print copy to stay ahead in the booming MENA leisure sector.

Our MENALAC Events Calendar has been revealed, showcasing a full programme of conferences, webinars, networking evenings. Get ready for a game-changing 2026!

Looking ahead, MENALAC members can join our Sustainability Webinar on 29th January 2026, exploring how museums and attractions can turn hope into action. Using real-world examples like Terra at Expo City Dubai, attendees will learn practical strategies to build emotional connections with nature, inspire collective action, and strengthen their role in regional and global climate conversations. We also have a Safety Webinar coming up on 22 January 2026 on FROM TRAINING TO TRUE COMPETENCE: Rethinking Safety Readiness in High-Risk Leisure Operations. Stay tuned for further details. 

The 8th MENALAC Awards will take centre stage in Abu Dhabi on 1st April 2026, alongside the inaugural IAAPA Middle East Expo. Following last year’s edition in Saudi Arabia, the gala will celebrate excellence across 33 categories, uniting industry leaders, innovators, and influencers for an unforgettable evening of recognition and connection. Watch this space for nomination and sponsorship details, your chance to be part of the region’s biggest night in leisure.

We also invite members to a high-energy evening of learning, networking, and fun. The night includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the House of Hype at Dubai Mall Fountain Views, an hour of gaming at Hushh, a lively leisure quiz, and light bites with refreshments. Perfect for teams and professionals eager to start the year inspired and connected, spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Read on to discover what’s been happening at the close of 2025 and don’t forget to follow MENALAC on all social media channels.

PLAY, LEARN, CONNECT - AN EVENING FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY.

MENALAC invites the leisure sector to an energising, free evening dedicated to learning, networking, and pure enjoyment. This engaging edutainment experience offers a welcome break from the everyday, a space to exchange ideas, and the chance to connect with peers across the industry.

The night includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of House of Hype at Dubai Mall Fountain Views, an hour of interactive fun at Hushh, a lively leisure industry quiz, and a selection of light bites and refreshments.

Perfect for teams and professionals eager to start the year inspired, informed, and connected. Spaces are limited, early registration is strongly encouraged!

BEYOND TRAINING -

BUILDING REAL SAFETY COMPETENCE

In high-risk leisure environments, safety is proven in action, not attendance records. This MENALAC member-exclusive webinar explores why traditional training alone often falls short, and what it truly takes to achieve consistent, real-world safety performance.

Join Chris Napier, CEO & Co-Founder of Edge Academy, as he examines the shift from training completion to demonstrated competence. Through practical examples, he will highlight how scenario-based learning, inclusive training approaches, and skills visibility can strengthen safety culture, improve decision-making under pressure, and enhance guest trust across complex operations.

SPARKING HOPE, CHAMPIONING CLIMATE ACTION

MENALAC presents an exclusive member webinar on how museums and attractions can transform climate concern into hope and meaningful action. The session examines how cultural spaces can connect people with nature, inspire engagement, and foster more sustainable mindsets.



Drawing inspiration from Dr Jane Goodall’s Book of Hope and projects such as Terra at Expo City Dubai, Sheena Khan shares practical guidance on storytelling, community engagement, and sustainability-focused programming, followed by an interactive Q&A.Attendees will leave with tangible, actionable ideas to enhance visitor impact, strengthen connections, and promote climate-positive experiences.

MIX, MINGLE AND WELCOME SPRING

Spring is in the air, and so is the conversation. Join MENALAC for a relaxed evening of networking, great food and refreshing drinks at McGettigan’s DWTC, Dubai, on 11 February 2026.

Designed for easy connections and good vibes, the Spring Mingle brings the leisure community together with no agendas and no pressure, just familiar faces, new introductions and three hours of unlimited bites and drinks. Come as you are and enjoy a sociable night out to kick off the season.

WHERE CONVERSATIONS FLOW

BEYOND THE FAIRWAY!

MENALAC’s Golf Day returns to Abu Dhabi on 29 March 2026, bringing the industry together in a setting designed for connection beyond the boardroom.

More than a competition, the day creates space for open conversation, relationship-building, and meaningful exchanges in a relaxed, social environment. The experience continues at the 19th Hole Sundowner at the Falcon Club, welcoming both golfers and non-golfers for an evening of networking over buffet dining and refreshments.

A day shaped by connection, collaboration, and community, with more details to follow.

PRINT THAT SPEAKS LOUDER THAN THE SCROLL

Step away from the digital noise and delve into insights that truly matter. The MENA Leisure Report 2025 offers in-depth analysis, market intelligence, and expert perspectives on the trends shaping the region’s leisure and attractions sector. Packed with forecasts, performance benchmarks, and a directory of key industry players, this report is an essential tool for strategic planning and informed decision-making.

Secure your print copy today and discover the lasting value of print in navigating MENA’s dynamic leisure landscape.

PUT SAFETY FIRST AND JOIN

THE MENALAC SAFETY CIRCLE

Become part of the MENALAC Safety Education Circle and stay up to date with the latest safety and sustainability developments across the MENA attractions sector. Participate in vital discussions and gain access to conferences, webinars, reports, and practical guidance from leading industry experts.



Sign up today and connect with MENA’s most trusted community for safety excellence!

THE HIDDEN FORCE BEHIND SAFETY:

CULTURE OVER CHECKLISTS

This month’s article by Emma Jane Forrest, Business Development Director at Safety Skills Training (SST), reveals why safety isn’t just about rules on paper. From frontline actions to leadership habits, it uncovers how strong safety culture-daily behaviours, open communication, and ownership, makes the difference between looking safe and truly being safe.

Learn how organisations across high-risk industries turn culture into real-world protection and performance.

Read full article

NEW YEAR, NEW PERSPECTIVES.

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POWER UP YOUR CONNECTIONS,

POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS

In the world of leisure and entertainment, connections can be just as valuable as expertise. A MENALAC membership opens the door to a vibrant network of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers across the MENA region.

Join now and gain exclusive access to MENALAC events, where you can connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of the industry.

STAY IN THE FUN LOOP!  

Follow Us On Our Digital Platforms

MENALAC brings you all the excitement from across the region from the latest happenings to project announcements and growing trends. It’s your go-to digital community for all things leisure and entertainment. 

Follow and subscribe to all our digital platforms to keep track of the MENA leisure industry’s increasing pulse. 

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