Global attractions association postpones debut Middle East expo

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has postponed its debut IAAPA Expo Middle East amid instability in the Gulf. The decision followed a Board meeting after “closely monitoring the situation in the region,” with safety cited as the top priority. 

The trade show, which was set to bring together leading attractions operators and suppliers from more than 100 countries at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi from 30 March to 5 April, will now take place from 2 to 15 April 2027.

IAAPA said the move followed extensive consultations with its IAAPA EMEA Regional Advisory Board and other key stakeholders, and that it will now contact exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and registered attendees directly to outline next steps.

Jakob Wahl, CEO of IAAPA, emphasised that the decision was not taken lightly, stating: “At IAAPA, we deeply value the time and investment made by our members and partners, as well as their dedication in preparing for the inaugural edition of IAAPA Expo Middle East. While we sincerely appreciate their continued support, we equally value their understanding that the safety and best interests of our global community come first, a responsibility that guided this difficult decision.”

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The postponement comes as the Gulf events landscape faces mounting disruption following attacks from Iran in retaliation for US–Israeli air strikes that began on 28 February. 

In motorsport, Formula 1 has cancelled its April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, creating a five-week gap between the end-of-March Japan Grand Prix and the Miami race in early May, with the two Middle East rounds not being replaced on the 2026 calendar.

MotoGP, which had been due to race in Doha on the same weekend as the Bahrain Grand Prix, is also in the process of rescheduling its Qatar round as organisers reassess travel, security and operational risks.

Among other upcoming Gulf events, the Dubai World Cup, due to take place at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday 28 March 2026, remains scheduled to go ahead at the time of writing.

For more information, visit iaapa.org