by The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a dominant player in the global MICE industry over the past decade. Dubai has been at the forefront of driving the growth of MICE tourism in UAE. With world class facilities, ultra modern infrastructure and business friendly policies, Dubai has hosted some of the largest international conferences, exhibitions and corporate events. Key venues like Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre have seen rising footfalls each year.
In 2019, Dubai MICE events attracted over 1.5 million delegates contributing more than $3 billion to the economy. Prior to the pandemic, the emirate was targeting to more than double this revenue number to $7 billion by 2023. Even during the pandemic affected years, Dubai accounted for over 70% of total MICE business generated within UAE.
Government support and initiatives
A key factor behind UAE’s success has been strong government patronage and initiatives to develop the sector. Special committees and industrial bodies like Dubai Convention Bureau actively promote the emirate’s MICE offerings globally. The National Events Council works towards streamlining events organization process and policies across the country.
Moreover, attractive fiscal incentives like 5% VAT on event management and zero corporate/income taxes help Dubai and UAE undercut other competitor destinations. Massive investments are being made to add new state-of-the-art infrastructure like expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre. This is expected to further cement UAE’s position as the top MICE hub in the Middle East and African region.
Rising international events portfolio
Over the years, UAE Meetings Incentives Conferences Exhibitions has hosted many prestigious global events across diverse sectors. Major technology and innovation events like Gitex Technology Week, IoT World Congress have made Dubai their permanent home. In healthcare, Arab Health Exhibition is the largest annual gathering in the segment.
Moreover, mega sports/lifestyle events like Pakistan Super League cricket, Sundance Film Festival bring in huge audience footfalls. The World Government Summit has emerged as one of the most influential forums on future of governments. Mega shows like Dubai Air Show featuring latest aviation technologies are unique offerings from the region.
Abu Dhabi catching up
While Dubai still leads the UAE MICE sector, Abu Dhabi is also rapidly catching up with developments of its own world class infrastructure and facilities. The inauguration of Emirates Palace Convention Centre and expansion of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre are positive signs.
With initiatives like Abu Dhabi Calendar that oversees all events planning and Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau promoting the emirate globally – Abu Dhabi hopes to triple its own MICE revenues to $1.5 billion by 2025. Beach front properties like Saadiyat Island are being developed as hubs for smaller boutique conferences and seminars as well.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
