Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, brought a highly visible presence, including 18 co-exhibitors, to the largest trade show in North America for incentive travel, meetings and events, IMEX America.
In addition to engaging with meetings professionals within the trade show itself, which took place in Las Vegas from 17-19 October, DBE also participated in partner events and hosted an exclusive evening reception for invited buyers.
Dubai was also named the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2023 by the World Travel Awards last week.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said: “Collaboration and co-operation are integral to achieving the vision of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Business events will continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, knowledge development, and increased visitor numbers, as we strive together to achieve the D33 ambition of becoming one of the top three global cities.”
DBE is aiming to build on the growth momentum of bid wins in recent months. The roster of association events secured by Dubai includes the 2024 Aesthetic Society International Meeting, 2024 International Tug & Salvage, 2027 World Congress on Medical Informatics and ISAPS Olympiad World Congress 2027. Dubai’s growing stature as an incentive destination has also been bolstered by securing the Herbalife Korea Incentive, Temenos Conference and Token 2049, all taking place next year, as well as the Amway ESAN incentive in 2025.
In the first half of 2023, Dubai’s stature as a global MICE destination was boosted with a 44% year-on-year growth in business event bid wins. DBE, supported by partners and stakeholders, reports securing 143 conferences, congresses, meetings, and incentives in the first six months of 2023. They are expected to bring over 94,000 visitors over the coming years, including global experts and leaders in various fields.
