Dubai's business events sector continues to bolster the city's knowledge economy and contribute to tourism growth, with the city winning 175 bids in the first six months of 2024 to host events through 2024 and beyond. This 24 percent increase compared to the same period last year is expected to attract over 92,000 delegates, enhancing the pipeline of attendees for future business events.
These successful bids position Dubai to host prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years, with events scheduled through 2028. This achievement underscores the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and reinforce its position among the world’s top three cities to visit, live, and work.
Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, collaborated with stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to secure marquee business events. The city’s status as a leading business events hub has been further recognized globally. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai as the top city in the Middle East for the number of association meetings hosted in 2023, while Cvent ranked it number one in its ‘Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa.’
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, stated:
"In line with the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, business events continue to play a critical role in driving tourism and economic prosperity. High-impact conferences, congresses, and meetings not only boost economic progress but also make vital contributions to Dubai's burgeoning status as a knowledge hub and center of expertise across key sectors. This aligns with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, envisioning Dubai as a leading destination for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in."
Global associations, businesses, and organizations increasingly recognize the power of hosting their meetings in Dubai, as demonstrated by the number of major international conferences secured by the city in the first half of 2024. The vibrant calendar of upcoming events will bring together industry leaders, visionaries, and delegates from all over the world, fueling the knowledge economy and propelling collective growth. Dubai looks forward to welcoming them.
Dubai’s popularity as a destination for corporate and incentive events continues to grow due to its diverse offerings that meet all budget requirements, a wide selection of international hotels, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional accessibility. Events secured in the first half of the year include the Modicare Advisors Incentive 2024, Vkusno i Tochka Convention 2024, World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024, and OPPO Guangdong Mobile Communication Incentive 2025.
Dubai’s growing stature as a global association hub and its focus on innovation also led to the city being chosen for major gatherings such as The International Cotton Association Conference 2025, IFHNOS Summit 2025, WCA World Annual Conference 2025, and Rhinology World Congress 2028.
Through year-round engagement, collaborations, and partnerships with hotels, events venues, Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and other service providers, DBE continues to attract prestigious events and solidify Dubai's position as a global business events hub.
In the first half of 2024, DBE concluded several sales missions in target markets and participated in major trade shows, including IMEX Frankfurt. It will also participate in upcoming events like IMEX America (October 8-10; Las Vegas) and IBTM World (November 19-21; Barcelona). DBE continues to work closely with industry stakeholders to host meeting planners in Dubai for study missions, allowing them to experience Dubai’s business events and tourism infrastructure firsthand.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
