MENALAC AWARDS 2026 – AWARD CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED

MENALAC AWARDS 2026 

NOMINATIONS OPENING SOON – START SHORTLISTING YOUR MOMENT OF EXCELLENCE

 

The countdown has begun.

The MENALAC Awards 2026 return for their 8th prestigious edition, ready to shine the spotlight on the people, projects, attractions, innovations, and initiatives that are shaping the future of the MENA Leisure, Entertainment & Attractions industry. Taking place on 01 April 2026 in Abu Dhabi, alongside the IAAPA Middle East Expo, this year’s Awards Gala will command unprecedented regional and global attention. With the industry’s most influential leaders in attendance, recognition at the MENALAC Awards is more than a trophy, it is a powerful statement of excellence.

 

33 AWARD CATEGORIES. ONE ICONIC STAGE.

For 2026, MENALAC will honour excellence across 33 carefully curated award categories, designed to reflect the full spectrum of our industry - from world-class attractions and visionary projects to outstanding operators, manufacturers, suppliers, social initiatives, and trailblazing individuals. Whether you are redefining guest experiences, setting new safety and sustainability benchmarks, driving innovation, or leading with purpose, there is a category created for your achievement.

 

PLAN AHEAD. PREPARE TO SHINE.

While nominations will open soon, now is the time to prepare. Explore the full list of award categories, submission requirements, and criteria listed below, so you can:

  • Discover the categories where you can shine
  • Review the eligibility criteria and submission requirements carefully
  • Prepare your submission in advance with ease
  • Be Ready to hit submit the moment nominations open!

Being prepared means you can submit confidently the moment nominations go live.

 

5 AWARD CATEGORIES – FREE TO ENTER

To encourage broader participation and celebrate excellence across the region, five selected award categories will be completely FREE for entrants, giving more organizations and individuals the opportunity to step forward and be recognized on the industry’s biggest stage.

13. BEST CSR PROGRAM

29. BEST INNOVATION IN HEALTH & SAFETY

30. BEST IMPACTFUL SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR

31. BEST ESTABLISHMENT MANAGER - FEC

32.  BEST ESTABLISHMENT MANAGER - AMUSEMENT PARK

 

THIS IS YOUR STORY. THIS IS YOUR STAGE.

 

Across the MENA region, exceptional work is happening every day, often quietly, often behind the scenes. The MENALAC Awards exist to bring those achievements into the spotlight and give them the recognition they deserve.

 

Explore the categories below. Identify where you belong.

And get ready to take your place among the industry’s best.

 

 

 

 

MENALAC AWARDS 2026 - Award Categories:

32. BEST ESTABLISHMENT MANAGER - AMUSEMENT PARK - (FREE CATEGORY ENTRY)

(WHO SHOULD APPLY: OPERATORS)

This award celebrates a MENA Amusement park leader who excelled in 2025, demonstrating exceptional operational excellence, strong leadership, and the ability to effectively deliver core brand values. Judges will consider management skills, customer service, team building, and crisis management.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT:
1. Describe your Establishment Manager in terms of

OBJECTIVES & KPIS: Demonstrate how the individual was able to deliver his objectives and personal KPls, driving the success of their business and their own popularity.

STATEMENT FROM HR: highlighting your contribution to the organisation.

BUSINESS ACUMEN: Provide data that demonstrate not only his/her business acumen supported by evidence of customer satisfaction of that unit, and strong engagement.

INNOVATION: assess his/her use of advanced technologies, sustainable practices, cost optimization strategies, employee-centric solutions, and adaptability to industry trends to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and the overall facility experience

LEADERSHIP: assess his/her ability to inspire and guide teams, make strategic decisions, foster collaboration, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain a positive, productive environment while adapting to changing needs and challenges

Video of the Individual Personality (mp4 file not exceeding 90 sec or 5GB)

Images to support your submission in a PDF file, with a maximum of 5 images not exceeding 5MB each (Accepted format: PDF)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Entries are open to all Individuals active within the MENA Leisure and Entertainment Industry for a minimum period of 3 years

He/She has provided innovation, education, leadership, and/or influence inside his/her organization in a manner that will continue to be of value in the future.

 

MENA Countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen