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Dubai’s business events sector surged with 175 event bids and 24% growth in 2024, indicating significant growth for the city’s knowledge economy and tourism.

Dubai Business Events The sector continues to grow, significantly boosting the city’s knowledge economy and tourism. In the first half of 2024, Dubai received 175 event bids, a 24% increase over the previous year. These events are expected to attract 92,000 representativesBusiness events will drive growth in the industry in the coming years.

A successful bid will see Dubai host a number of prestigious international conferences, congresses and incentive meetings by 2028. This diverse series of events highlights the business events that play an important role in achieving Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the city’s economic size by 2033. and cements its position as one of the top global places to live, work and visit.

Dubai Business Events (DBE), the official convention bureau under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, collaborated with key stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safir Congress Ambassadors, to secure key business events for the city. Along with the successful bid, Dubai has also gained an international reputation as a premier business event destination. International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Recognized Dubai as the leading city in the Middle East to host the 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 play an important role in driving tourism and economic prosperity. High-impact conferences, congresses and meetings not only spur economic growth, but also contribute significantly to Dubai’s growing status as a knowledge hub and center of expertise in key sectors. This is aligned with the ambitions of Dubai Economic Agenda D33which envisions Dubai as a leading destination for business and leisure and a great city to visit, live and work.

“Associations, businesses and organizations from around the world are increasingly recognizing 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 from around the world. and delegates, leveraging and nurturing our knowledge economy and driving 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, a wide selection of international hotels, superior infrastructure and excellent accessibility. In the first half of the year, Dubai received notable events such as Modicare Advisors Incentive 2024, Vkusno i Tochka Convention 2024, World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024And OPPO Guangdong Mobile Communication Incentive 2025.

Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for associations, along with its growing 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 2025And 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. Plans to attend upcoming events like IMEX America (October 8-10, Las Vegas) And IBTM World (19-21 November, Barcelona). DBE also collaborates closely with industry stakeholders to host meeting planners on study missions to Dubai, showcasing the city’s business events and tourism infrastructure and its fast-growing knowledge economy.