RIYADH — The Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) began its two-day annual conference in Riyadh with the presence of the most prominent companies operating in the entertainment sector of the region, including amusement parks, tourist attractions, water parks and family entertainment centers.

Al Hokair Group for Tourism and Development hosted the first MENALAC events in Saudi Arabia.

The MENALAC Conference addressed all aspects of the entertainment sector, and the entertainment industry in the Kingdom, i.e, the past, present and future challenges, trends, opportunities and cinema development plans in Saudi Arabia.

The Council addressed the issue of safety, specifically the safety standards in the entertainment facilities.

The representative of the General Entertainment Authority Muhannad Abanemi made a presentation explaining the future directions and programs of the general entertainment authority and the role of the entertainment sector in achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

The Conference also discussed different perspectives on the reality of the entertainment sector in the Middle East and North Africa region, highlighting the ideas of owners, investors and CEOs of the region›s leading brands.

Prakash Vikanand, representative of MENALAC, said: “The conference provides an ideal platform for meeting, learning, interacting with entertainment experts and gaining valuable insights on best practices, embraced by industry leaders.”

Mishal Al Hokair, vice chairman of MENALAC, said: “The Council aims to stimulate the growth of the entertainment sector in the region and promote safety standards in its operations and also focus on organizing numerous forums, seminars and educational programs to upgrade the quality of operations of the entertainment sector throughout the region,

“The Middle East and North Africa region is storing great energy for tourism,» Mishal added. It has re-established its adaptive capacity, and demand is recovering as consumer confidence has increased dramatically. There are many reasons for optimism and confidence in the future of the region. According to the World Tourism Organization estimates, the Middle East and North Africa region is expected to receive 195 million international tourists by 2030. — SG