www.parkworld-online.com
The Tom Anstey Column
Rig, Land of Legends in Qatar, and, the Crown development in the region. These developments are part of a much broader
remain closed. When they do reopen, the challenge will likely shift from operational readiness to restoring visitor confidence. With airspace disruptions and travel advisories issued by multiple governments, including key markets such as the UK, tourism flows to the region have slowed dramatically. Destinations that only weeks ago were
welcoming millions of international visitors may now face a period of uncertainty.
Saudi impact watching developments closely. Six Flags Qiddiya City, which celebrated its highly anticipated opening at the end of December, had quickly begun building momentum with visitors. While the park itself remains operational, like Dubai, the conflict has effectively halted international tourism, leaving attendance heavily dependent on domestic visitors. Reports from those on the ground suggest an
pathways and minimal queue times. Beyond individual parks, the wider industry
calendar is also feeling the strain. The recent announcement that IAAPA will
establish a regional office in the Middle East term confidence in the region. Yet the timing is is still scheduled to take place in April, but with tensions continuing, many will be watching closely
31st MARCH 2026
to see whether the event can proceed as planned. Meanwhile, the Themed Entertainment
Association has already taken the step of cancelling its TEA SATE Europe & Middle East conference, which had been due to take place at Dubai Parks and Resorts in late March. None of the affected attractions have yet
provided firm reopening dates, instead reviewing continue to monitor the situation. Travel advisories also underline the need for caution, urging visitors travel. All of this paints a challenging picture for a
region that, until recently, had been experiencing a remarkable boom in attractions development. But there is another theme running through the
Long-term vision Not since the global pandemic has the Middle disruption on this scale. During that period, parks across the region demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt, innovate and ultimately recover. That same resilience will be needed again.
may slow, visitor numbers will fluctuate and term vision that has driven the expansion of the
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strategy. Gulf nations have invested heavily in tourism and entertainment as they diversify their economies and reduce reliance on oil revenues. Attractions, theme parks and cultural destinations sit at the heart of that transformation. The current conflict is an unwelcome reminder
that such ambitions depend on stability. But if the past decade has shown anything, it is that the vision and the determination to continue pushing forward. For now, the region may be on pause. But when
stability returns, the momentum behind the Middle Golden Age of entertainment in the Middle East might be on hold but this too shall pass.
TOM ANSTEY
Tom is a world-travelled journalist who has been actively working in the attractions and wider leisure industries for more than a decade. Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief at Planet Attractions, a platform he co-founded in 2020, Tom is known for his deep industry knowledge and his commitment to exploring the stories and the people behind some of the world's most ambitious attractions projects. His favourite attraction is SeaWorld Orlando’s Mako coaster.
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