Dubai, Sunday, 7 September 2025.
IAAPA’s announcement of a first-ever Expo Middle East, set to debut in Abu Dhabi in 2026, signals a strategic shift that will shorten procurement cycles and bring roughly 5,000 m² of exhibit space closer to Gulf buyers. Retail suppliers, IP licensors and ride manufacturers should expect more localised product showcases, faster sales cycles and new competitive pressure as exhibitors decide how to split resources between Europe and the Middle East. The move—announced during opening of IAAPA Expo Europe last Tuesday—reflects rapid attractions-sector investment across the Gulf and promises easier market access, but also raises operational questions around regional certification, venue logistics and marketing reallocation. For commercial teams, the immediate value is clearer connection to project pipelines; the risk is fragmented presence and calendar congestion. This development matters for retail professionals planning assortment, licensing or F&B roll-outs: plan for compressed timelines, adjust trade-show calendars and reassess regional go-to-market budgets.