Dubai Reinforces Its Position as Premier MICE Hub at IBTM World 2025: What You Need To Know

Published on November 29, 2025

Dubai Business Events (DBE), the official convention bureau of Dubai, has successfully concluded its participation at IBTM World 2025 in Barcelona, further solidifying the city’s reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. As part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, DBE’s presence at the global trade show served as a platform to showcase Dubai’s exceptional capabilities in hosting large-scale international events.

Held from November 18-20, 2025, IBTM World brought together a range of global industry leaders, and Dubai’s delegation of 32 industry partners was at the forefront, highlighting the city’s dynamic business-ready ecosystem. Representing key stakeholders such as Emirates, Expo City Dubai, and Coca-Cola Arena, this participation further exemplified Dubai’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and positioning itself as a prime business events hub.

A Strategic Showcase of Dubai’s MICE Capabilities

Dubai’s successful participation at IBTM World comes on the heels of a year marked by major accomplishments in the MICE industry. The city was ranked #1 globally for the highest number of attendees per association meeting by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and also held the top position in MEA for the number of meetings hosted. These accolades underscore Dubai’s ongoing investment in its business events infrastructure, making it a top choice for international associations and corporate gatherings.

In addition to highlighting the city’s global rankings, Dubai’s participation at IBTM World showcased the alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, as the emirate continues to push forward with initiatives aimed at enhancing its competitive edge in the global business events market.

Driving Meaningful Connections and Knowledge Exchange

The theme for IBTM World 2025, “People. Power. Potential.,” resonated with Dubai’s core values of unity, collaboration, and innovation. Dubai Business Events emphasized the city’s capacity to foster meaningful connections, driving forward knowledge exchange and empowering global collaboration. The emirate’s strong infrastructure, world-class venues, and strategic location make it an ideal platform for business events that aim to connect industry leaders from across the globe.

Over the course of the event, Dubai’s delegation engaged with international partners and prospective clients, showcasing the city’s ability to host large, impactful gatherings. DBE’s active involvement also included participation in various pre-scheduled appointments and networking sessions, further boosting Dubai’s visibility as a leader in the global MICE sector.

Dubai’s Continued Growth in MICE and Tourism

The success at IBTM World 2025 adds to Dubai’s impressive track record in the MICE sector. In the first half of 2025, Dubai Business Events secured 249 successful bids, a 29% increase year-on-year, for events scheduled through 2029. These future events are expected to attract over 127,000 delegates, a 35% rise from the previous year, reflecting the growing demand for Dubai as a destination for business conferences, congresses, and corporate gatherings.

This growth also aligns with Dubai’s broader tourism performance, as the emirate saw an increase in international overnight visitors in 2025, with 13.95 million visitors recorded during the first nine months, a 5% year-on-year rise. With Dubai International Airport (DXB) continuing to be the world’s busiest airport, Dubai’s synergy between leisure and business tourism is increasingly evident, making it a preferred destination for both MICE and leisure travelers.

Infrastructure Investments for Future Growth

Dubai’s strong performance in the MICE sector is also supported by ongoing infrastructure enhancements. The expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai and city-wide airport developments are set to further enhance Dubai’s ability to host large-scale events. These developments are part of a broader vision to position Dubai as the global leader in business events by offering state-of-the-art venues, integrated services, and a welcoming business environment.

Dubai’s Continued Commitment to MICE Tourism

Dubai is not only focused on expanding its infrastructure but also on nurturing relationships with industry leaders and global stakeholders. Dubai Business Events plays a key role in this effort, working closely with international associations and business organizers to ensure Dubai remains a top choice for hosting global events. The city’s seamless connectivity, advanced hospitality offerings, and dynamic event spaces make it a natural destination for international conferences, summits, and exhibitions.

Dubai’s Growing Role in Global Business Events

In conclusion, Dubai’s participation at IBTM World 2025 highlights its strong position as a global leader in MICE tourism. Through strategic partnerships, sustained infrastructure development, and a clear alignment with global industry trends, Dubai continues to strengthen its reputation as a world-class destination for international business events. With a solid foundation in place, Dubai is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for high-quality business events, further cementing its role as one of the premier MICE destinations in the world.

As Dubai continues to thrive as a business events hub, its global recognition and continued investment in infrastructure and industry relationships ensure that the city will remain a key player in the global MICE landscape for years to come.