MENALAC AWARDS 2026

MENALAC AWARDS 2026 

Honouring the Best in the MENA Leisure, Entertainment & Attractions Industry

On April 01, 2026, the 8th edition of the MENALAC Awards Gala take centre stage in Abu Dhabi, alongside the inaugural IAAPA Middle East Expo, marking a defining moment for the regional and global leisure industry.

Abu Dhabi has emerged as a global benchmark for destination development, delivering world-class attractions that set new standards in creativity, scale, guest experience, and operational excellence. As IAAPA launches its first-ever Middle East Expo in the emirate, Abu Dhabi becomes the natural home for the MENALAC Awards, bringing together global attention, regional pride, and industry leadership under one roof.

Following last year’s landmark edition in Saudi Arabia, the MENALAC Awards 2026 continue their journey across the MENA region, reinforcing MENALAC’s commitment to celebrating excellence wherever it thrives. This Gala Night will bring together founders, C-suite leaders, decision-makers, and industry influencers for an unforgettable evening of recognition, connection, and celebration.

MENALAC AWARDS 2026

Where Regional Excellence Takes the Global Stage

This edition of the MENALAC Awards is shaping up to be our most significant and impactful celebration yet, and the stage has never been bigger.

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.

5 PURPOSE-DRIVEN AWARD CATEGORIES — FREE TO ENTER

At MENALAC, recognition goes beyond scale and spectacle—it’s about values that move the industry forward.

To encourage wider participation and spotlight critical pillars of Safety, Sustainability, CSR and People, MENALAC is offering FREE entry across all five of these award categories for 2026. If your work leads with purpose, safety, or impact—this is your moment to step forward and be recognised.

Check out & the prepare for 33 Awards Categories, Including 5 Free categories here

PLAN AHEAD. PREPARE TO SHINE.

While nominations will open soon, now is the time to prepare.

12JAN26             MON     Award Nominations to open online

13FEB26              FRI          Final day for submission of award nominations

16FEB26              MON       Review of the entries’ qualification

04MAR26            WED      Entries opened to Jury for judging (2 weekends included)

16MAR26            MON     Judging Round Closes

16MAR26            MON     All jury markings submitted to external Auditor for scoring

18MAR26            WED      External Auditor to announce finalists

01APR26             WED      Winners to be announced (Awards Gala)

• 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.

Nomination will open soon. Stay tuned for the announcement.

This is your moment. Step forward, share your story, and let your achievements take their rightful place in the spotlight.

We look forward to celebrating your excellence at the MENALAC Awards Gala 2026.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Click here to explore the full list of award categories, eligibility, criteria, and submission requirements
2. Carefully review and shortlist the categories most relevant to your achievement
3. Click the NOMINATE NOW button on the website to access the online awards portal
4. Register, create your login credentials, and submit your nominations
5. Submissions should include a detailed entry supported by photos, videos, and testimonials as specified
6. Submissions are considered complete once payment is received

Entry Fee per submission:

• Members: USD 450
• Non-Members: USD 550(5% VAT applicable)

Final date for submission with full payment: [Insert Final Date – 2026]

ARE YOU READY TO BE RECOGNISED AMONG THE BEST?

We can’t wait to see your outstanding entries and make the MENALAC Awards 2026 a true celebration of excellence across the region.

AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION & CONNECTION – PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

 Welcome Cocktail Reception

• Network with the region’s most influential leisure and attractions leaders in a relaxed and celebratory setting

• Gala Dinner

  Enjoy a refined dining experience crafted to complement the prestige of the evening

• Awards Ceremony

  Witness the unveiling of the industry’s most outstanding achievements across 33 award categories

• Live Entertainment

  Spectacular performances that elevate the spirit of celebration throughout the night

PARTNER WITH EXCELLENCE – SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The MENALAC Awards 2026 represent more than an awards ceremony, they are a defining moment for the MENA leisure industry. Held alongside the IAAPA Middle East Expo, this edition will attract significantly higher regional and international visibility, making it one of the most powerful platforms MENALAC has ever created.

For industry brands, sponsorship is not about overt promotion, it is about standing for excellence. It is an opportunity to align your brand with the values shaping the future of leisure in the region: quality, innovation, safety, leadership, and sustainable growth.

By partnering with the MENALAC Awards, your brand stands alongside the pioneers, decision-makers, and visionaries who are shaping the industry’s direction, while building meaningful relationships and earning lasting industry respect. Sponsorship packages are available across multiple tiers.

For partnership opportunities, please contact: [email protected]