A COUNCIL BY THE INDUSTRY FOR THE INDUSTRY
مجلس من الصناعة.. ولأجلها
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.
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.
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.
General Manager – Entertainment at BAAN Holding (Al Hokair Group)
Baan Holding (Al Hokair Group)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior safety officer
Dubai Municipality
Director HSE
Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas
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.
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.
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Limited to Regional Authorities, Trade Bodies and Associations invited by Board of Directors.
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A Manufacturer/Supplier/Consultant/Service Provider who is presently offering or desire to offer any product or services falling within the objectives of this Council.
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Any organization owning an Amusement or Leisure operations within the MENA Region.
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A Benefactor member qualifies to be Member, as long as he/it is associated with the leisure and entertainment business and pays an annual membership fee as mentioned. There shall be a maximum of only seven (7) benefactor members in the council at any given point of time.
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