Tuesday, January 23, 2024
In 2023, Dubai solidified its position as a prominent global hub for business events, securing an unprecedented 349 bids to host prestigious international conferences, congresses, meetings, and incentive travel programs. Facilitated by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the official convention bureau of the city, these wins represented a substantial 49% increase in successful bids compared to the previous year. The events scheduled for 2023 are anticipated to draw in more than 191,000 international delegates.
Aligned with its strategy to enhance business events and delegate participation, DBE introduced a compelling citywide offering to the global market, addressing the core requirements of the business events industry. By positioning Dubai as the premier destination for international business events, DBE stimulated interest among associations and corporations, collaborating with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to convert inquiries into confirmed events. Some of these events already took place in 2023, while others are confirmed for future years, contributing to a robust pipeline of impactful events extending as far as 2029.
Bidding activity and success have continued to surge post the global Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of bid wins in 2023 surpassing the previous record of 295 bids in 2019. These secured events are expected to play a pivotal role in fostering trade, investment, and attracting global talent, aligning with the goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Furthermore, business events contribute to building advocacy for the city, enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a premier destination for such gatherings.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Driven by the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city’s business events ecosystem continues to play a vital role in wider tourism and economic development, in line with the priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
“Business events have consistently proved to be an important catalyst for the city’s development, driving knowledge growth and contributing the evolution of key sectors and industries. Dubai’s success in securing major international conferences, congresses, meetings and incentives in 2023 was a reward for the robust efforts of all stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The events captured and taking place over the coming years will bring business leaders, innovators and changemakers together in Dubai, with the whole city and emirate benefitting from our fast-growing knowledge economy, further contributing to our collective momentum.
“To keep the momentum going, we have charted ambitious plans for the year ahead and are working closely with all stakeholders – from hotels and event organisers to attractions and venues – to attract the biggest and most prestigious events and congresses to the city and raise the profile of Dubai as a year-round global business events destination. Throughout 2024, the DBE team and partners will engage with meetings professionals and potential clients around the world, further elevating the city’s positioning and competitiveness.”
Among the notable successful bids in 2023, key association events include Critical Communications World 2024, WCA Worldwide Annual Conference 2024, International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026, and Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024. Corporate and incentive events, such as TOKEN2049, Nuskin Elite, and Amway ESAN 2025, are also set to bring substantial delegations to Dubai.
DBE collaborated with various stakeholders, including hotels, venues, professional congress organizers (PCOs), destination management companies (DMCs), and other service providers, to secure these victories. Additionally, partnerships with local associations, businesses, and entities were formed to present comprehensive proposals showcasing Dubai’s capabilities as a business events destination. As a testament to DBE’s efforts, Dubai earned recognition as the top meeting and MICE destination in the Middle East for 2023 by Cvent and was named the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2023 by the World Travel Awards.
In addition to its collaboration with service providers, DBE leveraged its role as one of the co-founders of the Dubai Association Centre (DAC) to strengthen relationships with international associations and attract them to Dubai. The Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, initiated by DBE, played a crucial role in identifying and supporting local UAE-based key opinion leaders and government representatives, contributing to the success of international business events in Dubai in 2023.
DBE has already commenced its year-round calendar of industry engagements, conducting sales missions in target markets and participating in major trade shows, including IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America, and IBTM World. Furthermore, DBE is actively collaborating with industry stakeholders to host study missions, allowing meeting planners to experience Dubai’s business events, tourism infrastructure, and rapidly growing knowledge economy firsthand.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
