In 2024, Dubai solidified its position as a top destination for international conferences, congresses, corporate meetings and incentives with a record 437 events from various industries and professions. Dubai Business Events (DBE), the official convention bureau and a department of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, was behind the 20% annual growth in the number of wins. This further reinforced Dubai’s status as a competitive events destination driven by innovation, infrastructure and global economic footprint.
210,731 delegates are expected to visit Dubai in the next few years from the 2024 events which will have a direct impact on the city’s travel and tourism economy and bring in talent and expertise from around the world to tap into the knowledge sharing, professional development and networking opportunities Dubai offers.
Dubai’s success, driven by public and private sector collaboration, proves the city is a favourite, convenient, safe and welcoming MICE destination. By attracting more tourists, positioning Dubai as a global events leader and shining a light on its knowledge economy, this will boost the overall economy. It also highlights the importance of corporate events in achieving the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda, or D33, which is to establish Dubai as a leading global city for business and pleasure.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Guided by the vision of our city’s leadership, business events continue to play a vital role in bolstering tourism to Dubai and supporting its wider economic priorities. The healthy increase in successful bids in 2024 is further proof of Dubai’s rising prominence as a destination that delivers not only world-class business events infrastructure and capabilities, but also provides unrivalled, memorable experiences for all organisers and delegates. Furthermore, it highlights Dubai’s status as a knowledge hub, with associations and businesses benefitting from expertise and innovation in the city, and also contributing to its continued development.
“To build on this momentum, we are engaging with all stakeholders, trusted partners and service providers, to elevate Dubai’s position as a leader in the competitive business events landscape – aiming for sustainable economic growth, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. We look forward to harnessing the power of opportunity to create further impact for the benefit of everyone, and demonstrate what sets Dubai apart to a global audience.”
The most noteworthy successes of the previous year included the following: 2026 Global Symposium on Health System Research (3,000 delegates), 2026 FIP World Stamp Exhibition (1,000 delegates), 2025 Pan Arab Radiology Conference (1,500 delegates), 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayor Summit (1,200 delegates), 2025 WFNS World Congress of Neurosurgery (4,000 delegates), and 2028 Scientific Assembly and Associated Events of the Committee on Space Research (3,000 delegates).
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Dubai won corporate and incentive business in 2024 including 2025 Oppo Guangdong Incentive (4,000 delegates), 2025 Loyal Connect Global (3,000 delegates), 2025 GLA Global Logistics Conference (1,500 delegates), 2026 Forever Living Global Rally (12,000 delegates), 2026 Emerson Exchange (2,500 delegates) and 2026 Herbalife China Incentive (1,200 delegates).
In order to further support the growing business events landscape in Dubai and carry out its strategic mandate, DBE engaged with professionals in the meetings industry globally at trade shows such as IMEX Frankfurt, The Meetings Show, IBTM World, and IMEX America. Additionally, DBE conducted a year-round schedule of sales missions, study missions, and site inspections.
In order to secure more events and welcome more delegates to the city in the coming years, the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme involved members from a variety of professional fields and its locally based subject matter experts. Other noteworthy efforts included partnerships with key industry organizations like the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and the BestCities Global Alliance.
Following notable achievements in 2024, like Dubai’s ranking as the Middle East’s top city for hosting association meetings and its ranking as one of the “Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa,” this remarkable success follows.
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