Resource Type: Member Musings Podcast Interviews

Robert Cirjak, Founder, Wibit Sports

A platform that will bring audiences closer to insightful conversation of the state of the MENA Leisure and Entertainment industry as well as innovative services, products, and achievements of MENALAC members.  

Bill Lentz, General Manager-Meryal Waterpark

Bill Lentz, General Manager of Meryal Waterpark in Qatar, sits down with host, Brooke Hall, on the Member Musing podcast to talk about the young park’s vision, design and broad appeal, including the concept behind the unique structure of slides – The Rig 1938. Water park trend predications, and the future of the Qatari leisure… Continue reading Bill Lentz, General Manager-Meryal Waterpark

Renee Welsh, CEO – Embed

In this episode of Member Musing, we sit down with Renee Welsh, CEO of Embed, a global leader in cashless technology solutions for the entertainment and attractions industry. Renee shares the incredible journey of Embed: its mission of helping operators achieve seamless experiences for guests with its ecosystem as well as maintaining successful partnerships with… Continue reading Renee Welsh, CEO – Embed

Member Musing – Pico Play

Talk turns to leisure destinations as Francis Jackson, Business Director & Operations Manager and Daniel Steffe, Project Planner for Pico Play join Member Musing. As experts in world-class themed attractions, the pair share their insights on what it takes to plan a successful leisure destination for the modern world. Francis and Daniel reveal how the… Continue reading Member Musing – Pico Play

The Chair & Vice- Chair of MENALAC’s Health & Safety Committee

The Chair and Vice-chair of MENALAC’s Health and Safety Committee join host, Brooke Hall, in this episode to shed light on the committee’s mission and commitment to education and continuous improvement of safety with the MENA leisure and attractions sector. The pair also announce an exciting new, soon to launch, initiative by the committee. In… Continue reading The Chair & Vice- Chair of MENALAC’s Health & Safety Committee

Damon Tudor & Craig Stoddart, Founder & Directors- Thinking Adrenaline

Damon Tudor and Craig Stoddart, Founders & Directors of Thinking Adrenaline join the podcast to talk about the Middle East and North Africa’s potential to provide exciting and accessible surfing opportunities to locals and tourists. With their successful experience in developing and operating surf parks, the pair are keen to see to the rise in… Continue reading Damon Tudor & Craig Stoddart, Founder & Directors- Thinking Adrenaline

J S Reddy, VP & GM , Semnox Solutions

 

Mohamed Attia, CEO, CEO, Al Othaim Entertainment

Member Musing – Ep 17 – Mohamed Attia, CEO of Al Othaim Entertainment and MENALAC Board Member by Member Musing Listen to top insights from Mohamed Attia, CEO of Al Othaim Entertainment and MENALAC Board Member as he joins the Member Musing podcast to discuss Focus on Egypt, the event that will shine a spotlight… Continue reading Mohamed Attia, CEO, CEO, Al Othaim Entertainment

Ernest Yale, Founder & CEO, TRIOTECH AMUSEMENT INC.

Jeremy Gray, VP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, MIDDLE EAST, WHITEWATER & Matthew Spurgeon, PERFORMANCES SERVICES MANAGER, WHITEWATER

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Christy Aprilia

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.

Kelly Timmins

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.

Carlos Pissarra

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.

Jamil Malek

General Manager – Entertainment at BAAN Holding (Al Hokair Group)

Baan Holding (Al Hokair Group)

Emma Jane Forest

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.

Toheeb Ajiboye

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.

Renjith Sreenivasan

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.

Shady Ismail

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.

Riang Carver

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.

Ahmed  El Sandoby

Senior safety officer
Dubai Municipality

Peter Stubbs

Director HSE

Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas

Rebekah  Marshall

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.

Phil  Dunn

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.