Dubai participates at IMEX 2025 highlights the city's position as a premier destination for international business events
Post Views: 77
Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism successfully participated at IMEX Frankfurt joined by key stakeholders. At IMEX, a delegation of 30 stakeholders from across the sector has joined DBE in showcasing Dubai's credentials as a premier global hub for business events. The delegation includes leading hotels, venues, DMCs, airlines and other service providers including Emirates, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai World Trade Centre, together highlighting Dubai's ability to deliver dynamic world-class events at the intersection of innovation, knowledge-sharing and sustainable growth. This comes as Dubai continues to earn global recognition, this week being confirmed as #1 globally for highest attendee number per association meeting in 2024, and once again ranking #1 in the Middle East for the total number of association meetings hosted during the period, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Cvent has this week also confirmed that Dubai maintained its #1 position among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa. The accolades further demonstrate the city's ability to both host prolific events and facilitate event growth for associations, allowing them to tap into the market and increase global access to members. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'As we engage with the global industry at IMEX Frankfurt, we are reinforcing Dubai's position as a strategic destination for impactful business events. Our consistent top rankings from ICCA and Cvent, and growing pipeline of major international events, are the result of a focused and collaborative approach with our stakeholders, as we work collectively to reinforce the emirate's position as a premier global hub for the MICE industry. Business events are integral to our tourism strategy and are increasingly driving progress across key sectors. They are playing a vital role in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 – to position Dubai as one of the world's most innovative, inclusive and future-ready cities, as guided and championed by the visionary leadership of the UAE.' Dubai's participation aligns with this year's IMEX theme – Impact 2.0: Activating the Future – emphasising the global events community's responsibility to address major global and community challenges while driving positive change through events, partnerships and initiatives. In line with this vision, Dubai continues to attract business events that not only grow visitation but also support innovation and deeper engagement across its economic sectors. This directly contributes to the D33 economic agenda, which aims to place Dubai among the top three global cities for business and leisure. Dubai's momentum was further underscored by a record 437 successful bids secured in 2024 to host international conferences, congresses and incentive programmes, a 20% year-on-year increase. These events are set to attract over 210,000 delegates to Dubai in the coming years, significantly contributing to the city's business and tourism ecosystem. Among the high-profile events won: Amway ESAN 2025, the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums 2025, the Global Symposium on Health Systems Research 2026, the World Congress on Medical Informatics 2027, ISAPS Olympiad World Congress 2027, Forever Living Products Global Rally 2026, the Scientific Assembly and Associated Events of the Committee on Space Research 2028 and The International Conference on Computer Vision 2029. Dubai continues to see strong growth in tourism aligned with its MICE strategy. In 2024, the city welcomed a record 18.72 million international overnight visitors, a 9% year-on-year increase. That momentum has continued into 2025, with 5.31 million international visitors arriving between January and March, marking a 3% increase compared to Q1 2024. Business events have been a key contributor to this sustained growth, generating economic impact across sectors and further strengthening Dubai's global brand. Further enhancing the city's capacity to meet rising demand in the events space, a key development includes an expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. As part of broader urban development initiatives including the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion, the project is a strategic investment aimed at reinforcing Dubai's position as a global platform for major conferences and exhibitions, enabling the city to host larger and more complex events that deliver long-term value that meets increasing demand and attendance.
IMEX remains a cornerstone of DBE's global engagement strategy, providing an essential platform to connect with international associations and networks. Dubai continues to use such platforms to strengthen global partnerships and attract events that support its economic, social and sustainability priorities.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Dubai Summer Surprises to return with 9 weeks of sales and entertainment
There are just a few days left before Dubai kicks off its most-awaited summer shopping event — Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 — promising huge sales and special discounts across the city. The 28th edition will run from June 27 to August 31, turning Dubai into a bargain hunter's paradise for 66 days straight. With the DSS Sales Season, shoppers can expect deals from over 800 brands spread across more than 3,000 stores in different malls and shopping destinations. Huge price cuts, citywide promotions, raffle draws, food offers, indoor family fun, and concerts are all lined up to make this summer extra special for shoppers. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said this will be the 'most dynamic and value-packed edition to date' with 'thousands of unbeatable offers, compelling retail promotions, and endless experiences.' He added that DSS 2025 is designed to match all preferences and budgets, showing Dubai's commitment to delivering world-class experiences.
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 Launches with Citywide Offers and Entertainment
Dubai is set to transform into a vibrant hub of retail, entertainment, and family fun as the 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) returns from 27 June to 31 August 2025. Spanning 66 days, the citywide festival promises thousands of unbeatable deals, thrilling experiences, and live events across the emirate. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year's DSS is billed as the most value-packed yet. The summer-long celebration will feature more than 800 brands and 3,000 retailers offering exclusive promotions, along with raffles, concerts, dining experiences, and family-friendly attractions. The full calendar was unveiled at a press preview held at the iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Attendees were given a first look at new activations and returning favourites designed to cater to every age, budget, and interest. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, said DSS 2025 strengthens Dubai's position as a leading global destination by uniting the city's key tourism pillars—retail, hospitality, gastronomy, and entertainment—into one immersive season. The DSS Sales Season kicks off on the opening weekend with Summer Holiday Offers, launching citywide discounts and mall activations. With three themed shopping seasons introduced this year, the festival offers something for every shopper and visitor. Now in its 28th year, DSS continues to support Dubai's D33 economic agenda, reinforcing the city's reputation as one of the world's best places to live, work, and visit. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai is Quietly Building the Future of the Automotive Industry
When I first arrived in Dubai in 2008, the city was a place of bold contrasts. It was grappling with the fallout of the global financial crisis, yet there remained a quiet, determined confidence in its future. Even then, you could sense that Dubai wouldn't just recover — it would reimagine what recovery looked like. Today, that prediction has come true. Dubai has transformed into one of the world's most dynamic testbeds for mobility innovation. What was once a market focused on car ownership is now a launchpad for pioneering ideas in sustainability, digitalisation, and smart transport. This evolution isn't incidental — it's intentional, enabled by a city that's wired for vision and progress. Dubai's geographic location has long made it a global gateway. But what truly sets the city apart is its mindset: an unwavering belief in building the future before others dare to imagine it. The Roads and Transport Authority's plan to introduce air taxis by 2026 is a case in point. What may sound like science fiction elsewhere is already moving into operational planning here, converting a 45-minute commute into a 12-minute airborne journey. Beneath these headlines is a deeper reality: a regulatory and business ecosystem that supports ambition. Programmes like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Vision 2030 aren't just slogans; they are action plans that prioritize diversification, sustainability, and the seamless integration of technology into everyday life. For the automotive sector, this means Dubai offers something rare — a real-world lab where electric, hydrogen, and autonomous mobility solutions can be trialled, refined, and scaled with minimal red tape. At AGMC, we've experienced this transformation firsthand. As the official importer for BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce in the region, we've seen electric vehicle (EV) adoption gain strong momentum — thanks to a blend of consumer enthusiasm, progressive regulation, and business commitment. Today, more than 47,000 green vehicles are registered in the emirate, with fully electric cars making up the majority. Still, the path forward has its challenges. EV infrastructure remains a work in progress. While many villa residents enjoy home charging, the next wave of growth depends on scaling solutions for apartments and urban clusters. The public sector is expanding its charging network, but accelerating adoption will require coordinated efforts across government, utility providers, automakers, and real estate developers. There are also questions around EV residual value. As the market matures, the secondary resale ecosystem will need time — and data — to develop. But Dubai's unique mix of early adopters and tech-forward consumers means we're generating insights faster than many more established markets. What inspires me most, though, is the human story behind the innovation. Dubai is a global talent magnet, bringing together engineers, designers, software developers, and strategists from across continents. It is this cross-pollination of perspectives that fuels meaningful progress — not just in what we build, but how we build it. From hydrogen-powered fleets to connected mobility ecosystems and AI-optimised traffic flows, the future of transport is not on the horizon — it's already taking shape. And while flying cars may remain in the realm of fantasy, Dubai's air taxis suggest we're closer than we think. Ultimately, Dubai teaches us a vital lesson: the future doesn't just arrive — it is built, deliberately and ambitiously. And there are few places in the world where that drive to build is more evident, or more effective, than here.
