A growing number of companies and associations are attracted to Dubai to meet, exchange knowledge and network. For many, it is the ideal location for gathering together staff and sales representatives from around the world and ensuring their event is accessible to those from emerging markets. And it remains as aspirational as ever for spectacular incentive programmes.
The city is the nerve centre for trillions of dollars of business and investment internationally. Its strategic global location, combined with business-friendly policies and future-forward investment in infrastructure, are attracting multinational companies at a rate not seen before making it the regional headquarters of choice.
It's easy then to see why this innovative, exciting destination is attracting meetings and incentives in growing numbers, particularly those working to increase attendance.
Global connectivity
With its excellent accessibility, Dubai offers a path to reaching emerging markets, increase numbers of participants at events particularly by attracting first-time attendees and grow membership of associations. And as Dubai continues to invest billions in its world-class infrastructure, this international gateway is set to become an ever more important destination.
Dubai’s multi-national population and impressive connectivity make it ideal for international events. Around 2.5 billion people live within a four-hour flight, and five billion within an eight-hour flight, meaning Dubai offers unparalleled access to the world’s largest emerging growth markets.
Dubai International Airport is consistently the busiest international airport in the world with passenger numbers last year eclipsing pre-pandemic figures. Home to airline Emirates, it was on track to reach 86.8 million passengers in 2023.
Dubai World Central (DWC) is Dubai’s airport of the future. Upon completion, DWC will become the world’s largest airport with an ultimate capacity of more than 160 million passengers each year.
The UN Climate Change Conference COP28 at Expo City Dubai, December 2023 Photo Credit: COP28/Christopher Pike
Bringing the world together
With the successful hosting of Expo 2020 and the recent COP28, the United Nations’ annual climate conference, Dubai demonstrated its ability to truly bring the world together. With representation from all corners of the globe, these large events showcased the city’s sophisticated event infrastructure, excellent connectivity and engagement with the issues confronting businesses and society. As it becomes an increasingly important platform on the world stage, these strengths are being harnessed for meetings and incentive programmes of all sizes.
Economy of the future
Dubai’s hosting of COP 28 is just one example of its increasing importance in the world. Leading the way in the diversification of its economy, primarily through clean energy and logistics, its investments in strategically important industries combined with its economic openness have proved a huge success. As technology transforms the world we live in and particularly the nature of financial transactions, Dubai is taking the lead in the region’s fintech and regtech sector as well as investing heavily in its AI strategy.
Oil and gas now account for just a third of GDP in the UAE and the economy grew by 3.7 per cent in the first half of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022. Excluding oil and related industries, it grew by 5.9 per cent (The Economist).
With this focus and success, Dubai looks set to grow its status in the world and be a destination that every forward-looking business will want to engage with and learn from.
Dubai Association Centre
The Dubai Association Centre (DAC) has been assisting associations for almost a decade by providing the framework to become established or open regional representative offices in order to conduct business in the UAE and beyond. The DAC also organises and participates in global events in order to share knowledge and build relationships.
The DAC Conference, organised biennially, is highly regarded as an important platform for the sector to examine the role associations play serving the needs of their members and as agents of change. The fourth edition will take place in February with the theme: Value Amplified: Associations Empowering Change. It will explore innovative strategies, best practices and collaborative approaches to create immediate civic, economic and social development providing lasting value for communities and societies.
Event infrastructure
Dubai’s famously attractive hotel scene is supported by impressive conference centres and a host of venues ideal for business events. Its variety of options for memorable experiences and activities helps to ensure it’s a big draw for attendees.
And with a host of new openings, it is easy to keep itineraries fresh for meetings and incentive programmes. From heritage experiences to the largest shopping mall in the world, beaches, watersports and desert tours, it has something for everyone.
Local support
Dubai Business Events is the official convention bureau for Dubai. Its team of professionals can offer free and impartial advice, guidance and support to business event organisers. Offering services considered among the best in the international meeting industry, it is a member of the BestCities Global Alliance.
Help is available for site inspections, obtaining proposals, assistance with suppliers, introductions to local government and industry contacts as well as recommendations for social programmes and pre and post-tours.
Contact
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This article is brought to you by Dubai Business Events.