MENALAC Recognizes Regional Leisure Leaders at 2026 Awards
MENALAC Awards 2026: Honouring Visionaries, Innovations, and Global Benchmarks in MENA’s Soaring Leisure & Attractions Industry
Dubai, UAE – May 21, 2026 – The Middle East and North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council (MENALAC) proudly announced the winners of the 8th edition of the MENALAC Awards on May 20, 2026, at an event held at Hushh, Social Distrikt, Dubai. Widely regarded as the “Oscars of the Leisure Industry,” the Awards brought together the region’s leading operators, innovators, manufacturers, suppliers, and visionaries to celebrate excellence, creativity, and transformative achievements across the rapidly evolving MENA leisure and entertainment sector.
What truly distinguishes the MENALAC Awards is its rigorous and transparent judging process. An esteemed independent panel of regional and international experts meticulously evaluated every nomination, while the entire process — from shortlisting to final selection — was independently audited to ensure impartiality and uphold the highest standards of credibility.
This year’s edition was the most comprehensive to date, spanning 28 diverse categories, recognizing achievements across theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centres, visitor attractions, innovation, sustainability, customer experience, and leadership.
Highlights from the MENALAC Awards 2026 Winners List
One of the most significant moments of the evening was the presentation of MENALAC’s two special honours. The prestigious MENALAC Hall of Fame Award was presented to Silvio Liedtke, CEO Landmark Leisure in recognition of his remarkable contribution and longstanding impact on the leisure and attractions industry, while the MENALAC Recognition Award was conferred upon Dr. Dattakumar J.S. Director Operations at Antic Land for his outstanding leadership and dedication towards MENALAC and to the Leisure and Entertainment industry in the region.
Among the distinguished winners honoured during the evening were:
- Best Theme Park – Over 500,000 Visitors Per Year: Global Village, Dubai, UAE (Dubai Holding Entertainment)
- Best Theme Park – Below 500,000 Visitors Per Year: Doha Quest – Doha Oasis, Doha, Qatar
- Best Water Park: Aquaventure World, Atlantis Dubai
- Best FEC – 20,000 SQFT or Above: Orange Hub – WTC Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Ideacrate Edutainment Company)
- Best FEC – Below 20,000 SQFT: Yabeela – Al Liwan, Hamala, Bahrain (Seef Entertainment)
- Best Visitor Attraction: Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Miral Destinations)
- Best Edutainment Centre: The Green Planet™ Dubai, City Walk, Dubai, UAE (Dubai Holding Entertainment)
- Best Play Area / Playscape: Orange Wheels – Nad Al Sheba Mall, Dubai, UAE (Ideacrate Edutainment Company)
- Best Sport / Active Entertainment: Ski Dubai – Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, UAE (Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment)
- Best Integrated Leisure Destination: Yas Island Abu Dhabi (Miral Destinations)
- Best Marketing Campaign for FECs: House of Hype Launch Campaign (HyperSpace)
- Best Marketing Campaign for Amusement Parks: Global Village Season 30 Launch Campaign (Dubai Holding Entertainment)
- Best CSR Program: Quiet Time at Aquaventure World by Atlantis Dubai
- Best Customer Loyalty Program: Yas Annual Pass by Miral Destinations
- Best Employee Engagement Initiative: “You Speak. We Listen. We’ll Action” by Aquaventure World, Atlantis Dubai
- Most Innovative Technology: Cashless Solution 2.0 by Vivaticket
- Best Design for a Leisure & Entertainment Facility – FEC: Lost World Aquarium (Atlantis Dubai)
- Best Design for a Leisure & Entertainment Facility – Amusement Parks: Doha Oasis – Doha Quest
- Best New Product / Attraction / Installation for Amusement Parks & Visitor Attractions: Falcons Flight – Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia (Intamin Amusement Rides)
- Best New Product / Attraction / Installation for Water Parks & Water Resorts: Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Miral Destinations)
- Most New Unique Concept Attraction: AquaAdrenaline by WhiteWater
- Best Manufacturer: WhiteWater
- Best Technology Services Supplier: VIVATICKET
- Best Themed Entertainment Contractor: International Decor & Contracting (Almeria Technical Services / IDC)
- Best Innovation in Health & Safety: Project Carousel by Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment
- Best Impactful Sustainability Campaign of the Year: Project Carbon Connect by Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment
- Best Establishment Manager – FEC: Desi Gonzalez | HyperSpace – AYA Universe and House of Hype
A Night to Remember
The MENALAC Awards 2026 was not only a night of recognition, but also a celebration of MENALAC’s partnership with IAAPA and the successful culmination of IAAPA MENA. The evening highlighted the continued growth and evolution of the MENA leisure and attractions industry under the IAAPA MENA platform, as the region continues to establish itself as a global benchmark for immersive experiences, operational excellence, and world-class entertainment destinations.
MENALAC extends its heartfelt gratitude to its partners who made this memorable evening possible: IAAPA, PLAY Enterprises, EMBED, SEMNOX, VIVATICKET, ASI, PORVIVA, ACCESSO, ADYEN, ADIRONDACK STUDIOS, FABBRI GROUP, CHEER AMUSEMENT, ALMERIA, and UHY JAMES.
ENDS