Dubai has strengthened its position as a global leader in hosting business events by winning 175 hosting bids in the first half of this year, a 24% increase compared to the same period last year. These events are expected to attract over 92,000 delegates in the coming years, contributing to a distinguished array of regional and international events, conferences, and incentive travel programs until 2028, thereby promoting growth in the tourism sector and underpinning Dubai's knowledge-based economy.
This achievement underscores the importance of the business events sector in achieving the goals of Dubai's economic agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate's economy by 2033 and position it among the top three economic cities in the world.
"Dubai Business Events," the official office dedicated to attracting events and conferences to the city under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has intensified its efforts and worked closely with strategic partners, industry experts, and members of the Ambassador Program to present comprehensive and integrated hosting bids that resulted in these successful wins. In recent months, the emirate’s capabilities and potential in organizing conferences have been highlighted, earning it the top spot in the Middle East from the International Association of Congresses and Conventions (ICCA) for the number of association meetings held in 2023. Additionally, it was rated by Cvent as the best meeting destination in the Middle East and Africa.
In this regard, Ahmad Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, stated: "In line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the business events sector has achieved further milestones that contribute to the growth of tourism and the development of the knowledge-based economy and other key sectors. This aligns with the leadership's vision to make Dubai the best city in the world for living, working, visiting, and hosting distinguished business events, alongside achieving the goals of the D33 economic agenda to make it a global city for business and entertainment."
Ahmad Al Khaja further added, "There is an increasing awareness among institutions, associations, and organizations worldwide of the importance of holding their meetings and events in Dubai, as evidenced by the number of hosting bids the emirate has won in the first half of 2024. Upcoming events and meetings will include decision-makers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and participants from around the globe, contributing to enhancing innovation, knowledge sharing, and advancing key sectors."
Dubai's reputation as an ideal destination for business events and conferences continues to grow due to its offerings that cater to various budgets, a wide range of international hotels, advanced infrastructure, high-level meeting facilities, and excellent travel services.
Some of the notable events that Dubai has secured hosting rights for in the first half of this year include Modicare Advisors Incentive 2024, Vkusno i Tochka Conference 2024, the Global AgTech Summit, and OPPO 2025 Incentive Trip. Additionally, several other prestigious meetings and conferences have been won, including the International Cotton Association Conference 2025, the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncological Societies Conference 2025, WCAWorld Dubai 2025, and the World Conference on Rhinology 2028.
Dubai continues to enhance its status as a global hub for hosting events and meetings, with the rapid development of its knowledge-based economy and focus on innovation attracting prominent events throughout the year. In the first half of 2024, a series of global promotional campaigns have been conducted, and the emirate participated in several exhibitions, including "IMEX Frankfurt" and will participate in "IMEX America," which takes place from October 8-10 in Las Vegas, as well as the IBTM World exhibition in Barcelona from November 19-21.
The Dubai Business Events office works closely with partners to invite and host delegations and meeting planners from around the world, offering them the opportunity to explore the city and discover its exceptional capabilities and resources that contribute to the growth of the business events sector and the knowledge-based economy.
