MENALAC Awards honour visionaries, innovations, and global benchmarks

The Middle East and North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council (MENALAC) announced the winners of the 7th edition of the MENALAC Awards Gala on 19th May  2025, held for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Awards celebrated excellence, innovation, and trailblazing achievement across the dynamic MENA leisure and entertainment landscape.

This landmark occasion not only marks MENALAC’s debut in the Kingdom but also reflects Saudi Arabia’s ascent as the region’s entertainment and leisure epicentre. In line with MENALAC’s mission, the Awards Gala remains a powerful platform for benchmarking, inspiring innovation, and honouring the best-in-class operators, leaders, and experiences reshaping the global attractions industry.

An independent panel of regional and international experts meticulously evaluated each nomination. Every stage of the selection process, from shortlisting to final verdict, was audited independently to ensure impartiality and uphold the highest standards of credibility.

This year’s awards were the most comprehensive to date, spanning 35 diverse categories – from the best theme parks and water parks to game-changing innovations, sustainability leadership, and outstanding individuals.

The MENALAC Awards 2025 ceremony underscored the collective spirit of innovation, quality, and passion that continues to propel the MENA leisure and attractions industry forward.

Highlights from the MENALAC Awards 2025 Winners List:

• Best Theme Park – Over 500,000 Visitors: Global Village, Dubai – Dubai Holding Entertainment

• Best Theme Park – Below 500,000 Visitors: Doha Quest, Qatar

• Best Water Park – Over 400,000 Visitors: Aquaventure World, Dubai – Atlantis Dubai

• Best FEC (20,000+ sq. ft): The DOCKX, Jeddah – Fawasel Advanced for Entertainment and Tourism

• Best FEC (Below 20,000 sq. ft): Fun City, RAK – Landmark Leisure

• Best Visitor Attraction: Global Village, Dubai – Dubai Holding Entertainment

• Best Edutainment Centre: The Green Planet™, Dubai – Dubai Holding Entertainment

• Best Sport / Active Entertainment: Activate, Dubai – Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment

• Best Integrated Leisure Destination: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – Miral Experiences

• Best CSR Program: Special Needs Happy Day – Al Othaim Entertainment

• Best Design – Amusement Parks: Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, Qatar

• Most Innovative Technology: Radian Smart Wristband – Semnox Solutions

• Most Unique New Concept Attraction: Endless Surf – WhiteWater

• Best Manufacturer: WhiteWater

• Best Technology Services Supplier: VIVATICKET

• Best VR & Digital Experience Content Creators: Triotech

• Best Sustainability Campaign: Aquaventure World Eliminates Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles – Atlantis Dubai

• Best Establishment Manager – FEC: Samjhana Bhandari, Fun Works, Yas Mall – Landmark Leisure

• Best Establishment Manager – Amusement Park: Adam du Plooy, Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park – Qatar

More information on MENALAC