Dubai wins 175 biz events in H1

Dubai continues its momentum as the business hub of the region by winning 175 bids in the first six months of 2024, an increase of 24 per cent compared to the same period last year.

TT Bureau

Business events continue to strengthen Dubai’s knowledge economy and contribute to tourism growth to host events through 2024 and beyond. The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years. This achievement underscores the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the decade leading up to 2033 and reinforcing its position among the world’s top three cities to visit, live and work in.

Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, worked with stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to bid for and capture marquee business events. In addition to successful bidding activity, recent months have seen further global recognition for Dubai’s status as a leading business events hub. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai 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, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “In line with the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE 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 status as a knowledge hub, and centre of expertise across key sectors.