Zamperla, a leading ride manufacturer, recently headed to Dubai for the 6th annual Leisure, Entertainment and Attractions Conference by MENALAC (the Middle East & North Africa Leisure and Attraction Council). This included the annual MENALAC Awards Gala Dinner, where the firm’s past president, Alberto Zamperla, was inducted into the MENALAC Hall of Fame.
In addition, Zamperla also won accolades for Big WaveZ at City Walk Jeddah and Nebulaz at Yabeela Bahrain.
Recognising an industry legend
Alberto Zamperla, the second-generation president of Zamperla and a fourth-generation member of a family dedicated to attractions, was chosen unanimously by the MENALAC Board for this honour. This award celebrates his considerable contributions to the MENA Leisure & Attractions Industry and recognises how his dedication and hard work have greatly improved the industry’s standards and innovation.
Alberto Zamperla passed away in November 2022. During his career, he brought joy to millions of people across the globe and he was known as a visionary and innovator in the amusement space. In 2019, Zamperla also joined his father in the IAAPA Hall of Fame, alongside other attractions industry legends like Walt Disney and George Ferris.
The Zamperla team attending the event collected the award on behalf of the whole Zamperla Group, after an emotional speech from Mishal Al Hokair.
During this year’s awards ceremony, the company was also recognised for two of its recent attractions.
Firstly, the Big WaveZ at City Walk Jeddah, a fun ride which combines the classic shoot-the-chute attraction with the thrills of a drop tower, was named in the category of Best New Product for Theme Parks. Secondly, NebulaZ at Yabeela Bahrain was awarded Best New Product for FECs.
A new NebulaZ installation, called Loki, opened at Drayton Manor in the UK last year, and Zamperla has also recently provided a new attraction, Extinction, to Blankgang Chine, the UK’s oldest amusement park.
