Dubai Business Events, the official authority on attracting conferences and incentives in the emirate (part of the Department of Economy and Tourism), has wrapped up the first half of 2025 with a blockbuster result: 249 successful bids to host business events spanning from 2025 right through to 2029. These events include major global conferences, corporate meetings, high-end incentive programs—and they’re a lot more than just numbers.

This marks a significant jump from H1 2024, where Dubai bagged approximately 58% of bids. This year, that win rate rose to 64%, and the total number of bid submissions reached 391, representing a 29% increase in bids won year‑on‑year.

What does it all mean? Well, those events are expected to bring in around 127,087 participants, a strong rise of 35% on last year’s numbers. It’s yet another stamp on Dubai’s reputation as a key global hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) and a boost to the emirate’s knowledge-driven economy.

This surge aligns squarely with Dubai’s Economic Agenda 2033 (D33), which has an ambitious goal: doubling the size of the economy and ranking among the top three global cities for living, working, and visiting.

A Networked, Strategic Approach

Under the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Business Events works hand-in-glove with stakeholders across the city. A standout element is the “Al Safeer” Ambassador Program, tapping into leading UAE decision-makers, industry experts, and government liaisons to craft and pitch winning event proposals. Together, their efforts deliver competitive, cohesive bid packages that stand out—and convert.

Commenting on the success, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, shared:
“This performance in the first half of 2025 shows how our city’s infrastructure, collaborative drive, and vision are turning Dubai into a knowledge and business powerhouse.”
He emphasized how varied and sophisticated infrastructure and services are enabling outstanding experiences for both attendees and organisers—and pledges to keep raising the bar.

Global Outreach in Action

Dubai Business Events has been everywhere—China, Japan, South Korea, India, France, Belgium, and North America—engaging with more than 50 key partners and organisations. They’ve also presented Dubai’s appeal at significant industry showcases like IMEX Frankfurt.

And the results are tangible:

• SIBOS 2029 – global financial services gathering; ~12,000 attendees
• ISUOG 2026 – international ultrasound in women’s health; ~2,000 delegates
• African Energy Forum 2026 – ~2,000 delegates
• Token2049 Dubai 2026 – crypto & digital assets summit; ~15,000 attendees
• Google conferences in 2026 and 2028 – ~4,000 each
• ISEA 2026, Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat 2026, Herbalife and Planisware incentive events among others

These wins reflect Dubai’s growing appeal across corporate, scientific, tech, and incentive-driven verticals.

Accolades Keep Rolling In

Dubai’s reputation is reinforced by industry honors:

• ICCA ranks Dubai #1 globally for average delegates per international association meeting
• For the Middle East & Africa, Dubai stays top in the total number of hosted association meetings
• U.S.-based Cvent names Dubai a leading meetings destination in the region

These accolades validate Dubai’s strengths—world-class venues, infrastructure, seamless logistics, and rich program delivery.

There’s plenty on the horizon: Dubai Business Events will feature at key exhibitions and conferences like IPEX, IMEX Las Vegas, IBTM Barcelona, the ICCA Middle East Chapter meeting in Bahrain, and ICCA’s global congress in Porto—continuing the momentum into the rest of 2025.

With all this in motion, Dubai keeps reinforcing its MICE leadership, delivering year-round opportunity and visibility, and steadily building a vibrant future from 2025 through 2029 and beyond.