Universal Studios Dubailand directors speak at IAAPA Middle East Safety Conference

The conference is designed to educate attractions industry professionals and government officials about best practices for safe operational procedures and maintenance programs for ride, show and attraction venues.

Universal Studios Dubailand directors Michael Mehlhorn and Jeff Polk, who combined have nearly five decades of theme park operating experience, are supporting the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and their efforts to inform and instruct key personnel in the region on the highest levels of quality and safety through the utilization of internationally recognized standards.

Held at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort in Dubai, the conference brought together key operators, developers, human resources personnel, and government officials with the objective of achieving excellence in safety for the amusement and attractions industry in the Middle East region.

Universal Studios Dubailand participation in the event reinforces Tatweer's long term objective of collaborating with IAAPA to develop stringent safety standards for the Dubailand theme parks.

Mohammed Alhabbai, Senior Vice-President of DUBAILAND, said:

"The conference is an important step in developing benchmarks and standards of excellence in safety for the benefit of the region at large. Our participation confirms our commitment to contributing to the development of the tourism industry as directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai."

"With our experienced theme park operators, we are confident we will achieve the highest level of quality through the implementation of internationally recognized standards that will position Dubai as a state-of-the-art leisure and entertainment destinations worldwide."

Universal Studios Dubailand Technical Services Director Michael R. Mehlhorn, who has 25 years of experience in theme park management with Universal Studios, Disney, and Hard Rock theme parks, presented a systematic approach to developing an effective maintenance program for amusement rides, utilizing best practices as the basis for creating a comprehensive maintenance checklists.

Jeffrey Polk, Director of Park Operations for Universal Studios Dubailand, presented a strategy for developing and implementing effective training and operational guidelines for amusement rides, shows and attractions. The segment presented best practices for creating procedures in training programmes to ensure the sustained use of safe practices in an operating environment. Polk brings over 20 years of in-depth experience in various operational capacities at Sea World Florida and Universal Orlando theme parks.

Universal Studios Dubailand promises visitors from around the globe an extraordinary opportunity to literally Ride The Movies. The Park's awe-inspiring rides and attractions will feature up-to-the-minute technology and leading edge special effects designed to transport visitors into the middle of their favorite blockbuster motion pictures including Jurassic Park, Waterworld and The MummySM .

Universal Studios Dubailand will join the family of world-renowned Universal Studios Theme Park Resorts in: Universal City, California; Orlando, Florida; Osaka, Japan; and Singapore (under construction).