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Dubai’s business events sector soars with 175 event bids and 24% growth in 2024, marking a significant boost for the city’s knowledge economy and tourism.
Dubai’s business events sector continues to thrive, significantly boosting the city’s knowledge economy and tourism. In the first half of 2024, Dubai secured 175 event bids, marking a 24% increase from the previous year. These events are projected to attract over 92,000 delegates, fueling growth in the business events industry for years to come.
The successful bids will see Dubai hosting numerous prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings through 2028. This diverse range of events highlights the crucial role business events play in achieving the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the city’s economic size by 2033 and solidify its standing as one of the top global destinations for living, working, and visiting.
Dubai Business Events (DBE), the official convention bureau under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, collaborated with key stakeholders and industry experts, including the Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to secure major business events for the city. Alongside successful bids, Dubai has also gained international acclaim as a premier business events destination. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) recognized Dubai as the leading city in the Middle East for hosting association meetings in 2023. Additionally, Cvent ranked Dubai as the top meeting destination in the Middle East and Africa.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of 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 burgeoning status as a knowledge hub, and centre of expertise across key sectors. This is aligned with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which envisions Dubai as a leading destination for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.
“Associations, businesses and organisations around the world are increasingly recognising 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. Our vibrant calendar of upcoming events will bring together industry leaders, visionaries and delegates from all over the world, taking advantage of and feeding into our knowledge economy and propelling collective growth, and we look forward to welcoming them to Dubai.”
Dubai’s appeal as a prime destination for corporate and incentive events is growing, thanks to its diverse offerings that cater to all budgets, an extensive selection of international hotels, top-notch infrastructure, and excellent accessibility. In the first half of the year, Dubai secured significant events such as Modicare Advisors Incentive 2024, Vkusno i Tochka Convention 2024, World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024, and OPPO Guangdong Mobile Communication Incentive 2025.
Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for associations, coupled with its evolving knowledge economy and focus on innovation, has attracted key decision-makers for major events. Notable conferences and congresses secured include The International Cotton Association Conference 2025, IFHNOS Summit 2025, WC A World Annual Conference 2025, and Rhinology World Congress 2028.
Dubai Business Events (DBE) continues to attract prestigious global events through year-round engagement and close collaboration with hotels, event venues, Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and other service providers. In the first half of 2024, DBE successfully completed several sales missions in target markets and participated in major trade shows, including IMEX Frankfurt. It plans to attend upcoming events such as IMEX America (8-10 October, Las Vegas) and IBTM World (19-21 November, Barcelona). DBE also collaborates closely with industry stakeholders to host meeting planners in Dubai for study missions, showcasing the city’s business events and tourism infrastructure and its rapidly growing knowledge economy.
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