Latest news with #IAAPAMiddleEastTradeSummit2025
Arab News
19-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry
RIYADH: Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the region's entertainment industry, in operations, strategy and risk management. At the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025 in Riyadh on Tuesday, female executives shared how they are adapting leadership strategies to meet the sector's rapid evolution. For many professionals in the region, careers in entertainment were not an obvious choice. Nada Radwan, business development manager at Adirondack Studios, spoke about her transition from interior design to themed entertainment. 'In the Arab world, family plays a big role in career choices, and medicine and engineering are often seen as the safest options,' she said. 'For me, I knew that math and chemistry were not for me, so I chose interior design — something creative yet practical.' She described how her fascination with how spaces evoke emotions led her into the entertainment industry. 'I had no plan of becoming anywhere close to this industry. I just followed what excited me,' she said. 'My advice to those considering a career shift? Go for it. Build on what sparks joy for you, be open to learning, and move forward with no regrets.' With the industry rapidly expanding, a new challenge has emerged — managing a younger workforce with different priorities. Hind Galadari, deputy general manager at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, highlighted the evolving expectations of Gen Z employees. 'They don't care about job security the way previous generations did,' she said. 'They care about their well-being, their purpose, and what they can contribute to the world.' Moderated by author and development coach Maya Mattar, the session, 'Women Transforming the Middle East's Entertainment Industry,' set a bold tone. 'This is not your typical women's empowerment session,' Mattar said. 'We are not here to preach or hand out badges of honor. In this room, we have a seat at the table, and let's be honest — it's a pretty good seat.' Lina El-Deek, partner at PwC Middle East, emphasized that the success of entertainment projects depends on balancing customer experience, financial sustainability and data security. 'We have an existential risk in driving the right customer experience,' she said. 'It's all about how people feel when they visit our attractions. Will they come back? Will they recommend it to others? If we don't get this right, we fail.' She also stressed the importance of building inclusive workplaces. 'This business is all about diversity. We bring people from across the world, and we need to manage that properly,' she said. 'Leadership must set the right tone, create clear cultural policies, and engage employees through active inclusion.' Galadari emphasized the need for adaptability when improving workforce culture. 'The culture doesn't change overnight,' she said. 'The park opens in an instant, but the team takes time to transition. That's why hiring the right mindset, not just skills, is essential.'
Leaders
15-02-2025
- Business
- Leaders
IAAPA Middle East Summit 2025: Riyadh Rises as Global Entertainment Hub
The Global Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) will host its Middle East Trade Summit 2025 in Riyadh, another testament to Saudi Arabia's status as a global hub for entertainment. IAAPA announced it will host the summit in collaboration with Riyadh Season, at Boulevard City from February 17-19, 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025 will bring together experts and industry leaders from around the world to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the entertainment sector. Moreover, the event will feature dialogue sessions, providing opportunities to network with industry stakeholders and top experts in entertainment destinations, water parks and family entertainment centers. It will also include an exclusive exhibition showcasing innovative products and services. منتدى المنظمة الدولية لمدن الملاهي يتيح فرص التقاء الخبراء والمبتكرين في صناعة الترفيه ومناقشة أبرز التوجهات العالمية 😍❤️ 17 – 19 فبراير 🗓️ الرياض، بوليفارد سيتي 📍 The IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit brings together experts and innovators to discuss key global trends in… — موسم الرياض | Riyadh Season (@RiyadhSeason) February 14, 2025 The selection of Riyadh to host this mega event for the second time in a row underscores Saudi Arabia's growing influence as a pioneer in the entertainment industry, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to diversify the national economy and establish global entertainment destinations. In the light of this, the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025 will highlight the Kingdom's rapid transformation towards becoming a global entertainment hub. On this occasion, the CEO of IAAPA, Jakob Wahl, expressed excitement about hosting the event in Saudi Arabia. 'We are excited to host IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025 in Riyadh, the city that shapes the future of global attraction industry,' he said Wahl also emphasized that this event will display the latest innovations in the Middle East, in addition to strengthening cooperation and inspiring new ideas that will shape the future of entertainment worldwide. Short link : Post Views: 28
