DUBAI: Dubai is boosting its reputation as a top spot for business events. In the first half of 2024, the city won 175 bids to host events, which is a 24% increase from last year. These events will bring over 92,000 delegates to Dubai.
These wins include important international conferences, meetings, and incentives that will take place up to 2028. This achievement highlights the role of business events in Dubai’s economy, which aims to double by 2033.
Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, played a key role in winning these bids. They worked with local experts and the Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors to attract these events.
Dubai has also been recognized globally for its business events sector. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) named Dubai the top city in the Middle East for hosting association meetings in 2023. Cvent also ranked Dubai as the number one meeting destination in the Middle East and Africa.
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Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, highlighted the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He said that business events are important for boosting tourism and the economy, making Dubai a leading knowledge hub. This aligns with Dubai’s goal to become the best city to visit, live, and work in.
Some of the major events won include the Modicare Advisors Incentive 2024, Vkusno i Tochka Convention 2024, OPPO Guangdong Mobile Communication Incentive 2025, The International Cotton Association Conference 2025, IFHNOS Summit 2025, and Rhinology World Congress 2028.
DBE works closely with hotels, event venues, Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) to attract top events. They participate in major trade shows like IMEX Frankfurt and upcoming ones like IMEX America and IBTM World.
