Dubai has experienced a remarkable 44% year-on-year growth in business event bid wins in the first half of 2023, with China and India leading to 84 incentives being won by the city. It has secured 143 conferences, congresses, meetings, and incentives, estimated to attract over 94,000 attendees.
This surge in event wins aligns with Dubai’s economic growth goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which focuses on boosting innovation, making Dubai a global hub for higher education, and increasing foreign direct investment inflows. The city won 24 association conferences, congresses, and meetings, showcasing its world-class infrastructure, expertise across key sectors, and growing knowledge economy.
Dubai Business Events (DBE), the official convention bureau, emphasizes the culture of collaboration among industry stakeholders and public and private entities in the city, which has played a crucial role in securing major business events.
DBE anticipates the business events sector to be a driving force in Dubai’s economic growth, with more international associations and organizations choosing Dubai as their destination.
DBE’s collaborative efforts involve working closely with various stakeholders in the industry, including hotels, airlines, venues, PCOs, and DMCs. They also run the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Program, engaging professionals and industry leaders to identify and bid for international business events.
DBE conducts frequent engagement programs across Europe, North America, and China to enhance Dubai’s appeal among meeting planners and decision-makers. Inbound study missions are also organized for global meeting planners to experience Dubai’s MICE offerings firsthand.
Dubai’s notable upcoming events include the IATA AGM 2024, the World Library and Information Congress 2024, Critical Communication World 2024, the Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024, and the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026.
Source: meetings-conventions-asia.com
