The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced that the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East, originally scheduled for April 12-15, 2026, has been postponed. This decision was made following a board meeting on March 10, where the Board evaluated the ongoing situation in the Middle East region.

The postponement was reached after thorough discussions with key stakeholders, including the IAAPA EMEA Regional Advisory Board, the IAAPA EMEA Manufacturers & Suppliers Committee, and the Middle East and North Africa Leisure Attractions Council (MENALAC) Board of Directors. Jakob Wahl, the President and CEO of IAAPA, emphasized that they value the time and investment from their members and partners, stating, “At IAAPA, we deeply value the time and investment made by our members and partners… the safety and best interests of our global community come first.”

IAAPA plans to engage directly with exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and registered attendees to communicate updates on the next steps. The association remains committed to supporting the attractions industry in the region and looks forward to hosting the Expo next year, reinforcing its role as a global platform for innovation and collaboration.

This decision underscores IAAPA’s dedication to the safety and well-being of its members, exhibitors, visitors, partners, and all involved stakeholders.