Illustrating its ambitions with mega-events: Dubai is making this an integral part of its strategy. By 2033 - a symbolic year for an emirate that will then be celebrating its 200th anniversary - the emirate intends to become " the world's largest business centre "This was the wish of Sheikh Mohammed ben Rachid Al Maktoum. A city classified as in the top 5 in most fields, from finance and commerce to logistics and new technologies, and this future is also part of an eco-responsible framework. All these sectors are supported by major international events.
For example, next October, in line with the United Arab Emirates' Green Agenda 2030, Dubai is preparing to host the tenth World Green Economy Summit. More than 3,000 sustainable economy players - ministers, international leaders, NGOs and institutions - will be meeting at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). A few days later, another major event, the GITEX Global trade fair, will be held in Dubai. the world's largest tech gatheringwhich will bring together more than 6,500 start-ups and companies in front of an audience of 200,000 professionals. This will be the last time the event will be held at the DWTC, before it moves to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in December 2026.
While the scale of the GITEX Global show illustrates Dubai's growing role in the world of fintechs, biotechs and greentechs, as well as its advances in artificial intelligence, it also shows the city's weight in the world of congresses and events. This expansion can be explained by theextension of the exhibition centre under way. This vast project will see the Dubai Exhibition Centre become the largest indoor event venue in the region, with a surface area of 140,000 m² and a capacity of 50,000 visitors per day. The expansion will continue in phases, reaching 180,000 m² in 2031.
The Dubai Exhibition Centre, designed to host even more large-scale events, is at the heart of the transformation of Expo City - the site that hosted COP28 in 2023 and the 2020 Universal Exhibition - into a "World Expo". a truly global events hub. All this in the immediate vicinity of the Jebel Ali port and the new Al Maktoum international airport, which is due to open in 2030 and will be five times bigger than the current one.
As an air hub at the crossroads of continents, Dubai also intends to play its role as a global hub for MICE. Ranked as the number one meetings destination in the Africa/Middle East region by Cvent for several years now, and boasting the best convention centre in the region, the DWTC, according to the World Travel Awards in 2024, the Emirati metropolis is already a major player in the MICE market. a world-class destination for events and meetings of all sizes. There are seven convention and exhibition centres for major events, as well as countless rooms in its 820 hotels, ranging from the most luxurious to the most affordable, offering accommodation solutions to suit every need.
Participants can also enjoy a star-studded dinner and quality catering at very reasonable prices. But above all an almost unlimited choice of incentive activities that set the tone for events in Dubai. From pristine beaches to desert dunes, from world-class golf courses to scuba diving or deep-sea fishing, from excellent shopping centres to cultural visits in the historic district of Al Fahidi and museums dotted around Dubai Creek, it's all possible. Even skiing, with a real indoor snow slope!
But these playful interludes shouldn't overshadow the primary motivation for an event in Dubai, which is to come and enjoy the city. discover the pillars of success in a major business cityIt's an opportunity to immerse yourself in its sense of innovation, and to meet its centres of excellence, whether in finance and new technologies, logistics, real estate, energy or sustainable agriculture.
To orchestrate all this, the Dubai Business Events (DBE) convention bureau offers its expertise free of charge to meeting and event organisers and planners. With a complete range of servicesFrom site inspection and bid submission, to organising accommodation and facilitating introductions to Dubai's key stakeholders, to ensuring the event's lasting legacy.
With offices in Europe, Asia and America, Dubai Business Events is a member of the BestCities Global Alliance, a global convention office which brings together 13 member cities including Berlin, Dublin, Cape Town, Madrid, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, with Dubai the only representative from its region.
Are you ready to bring your most prestigious events to the shores of our vibrant city? Dubai Business Events is here to make it a resounding success.
Contact for business events in Dubai
DET, One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre
Internet: www.dubaibusinessevents.com
E-mail : Askdbe@dubaidet.ae
