Dubai has once again proven why it’s one of the world’s most exciting and strategic destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

In just the first six months of 2025, Dubai Business Events (DBE) secured an impressive 249 successful bids to host international events stretching through to 2029. This represents a 29% YoY increase in bid activity and shows Dubai is “on fire” when it comes to the global business events stage.

A city on a mission

At the heart of this momentum is Dubai’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the city’s ambitious D33 Economic Agenda, a blueprint aiming to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position itself among the top three cities in the world to visit, live, and work.

Working hand-in-hand with local stakeholders, global partners, and industry experts, DBE has actively cultivated a MICE ecosystem that’s agile, future-ready, and bursting with opportunity. From collaborating with the influential Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, to forging stronger alliances with global associations and organisations, Dubai is making it easier and more compelling for events to call the city home.

“Dubai’s achievement during the first half of 2025 is a testament to the city’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in business events. The diversity and extent of events booked this year confirm Dubai’s infrastructure of international standards, accessibility, and market insight.” – Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment

Record-breaking performance and global recognition

The numbers speak volumes:

• 127,087 delegates expected from confirmed wins (a 35% increase from H1 2024)
• 64% bid conversion rate, up from 58%
• Representing 27 sectors across multiple continents

And the accolades are stacking up. In 2025, Dubai:

• Retained its #1 ranking in the Middle East and Africa for the number of association meetings hosted (ICCA)
• Topped the ICCA global list for highest attendee numbers per association meeting
• Ranked as a Top 25 Meeting Destination by Cvent

Big names, big wins

Dubai’s pipeline is packed with major names and high-impact gatherings. Highlights include:

• Sibos 2029 (12,000 delegates)
• Google flagship conferences in 2026 & 2028 (4,000 delegates each)
• Token2049 returning in 2026 (15,000 delegates)
• Herbalife Multiple Market Incentive 2026 (2,400 delegates)
• Africa Energy Forum 2026 (2,000 delegates)
• World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2026 (ISUOG) (2,000 delegates)

Whether it’s cutting-edge tech, medical science, finance, energy, or the arts, Dubai has secured and is welcoming the world’s brightest minds and boldest ideas.

Why Dubai?

It’s all about the overall experience and when it comes to that, there’s plenty Dubai can boast about. Event planners consistently cite (and we can’t agree more):

• World-class infrastructure and modern, flexible venues (have you seen Expo City as just one example?)
• Effortless connectivity, with one of the busiest and best-connected airports in the world
• Smart city tech and seamless digital support
• A multi-cultural, multilingual workforce
• Memorable experiences beyond the boardroom, from desert adventures to five-star beachside luxury

“The diversity and extent of events booked this year confirm Dubai’s infrastructure of international standards, accessibility, and market insight. In future years, we remain committed to delivering exceptional value to event organisers and delegates, and to establishing Dubai’s leadership position on the international stage.” – Ahmed Al Khaja

Importantly, Dubai also makes planning easy. With dedicated PCOs, DMCs, and government support, organisers greatly benefit from local expertise and streamlined processes. Through familiarisation trips and international roadshows, DBE ensures decision-makers understand and experience first-hand why Dubai delivers.

As 2025 rolls on, DBE is showing no signs of slowing down. The bureau is gearing up for major appearances at Epex, IMEX Las Vegas, IBTM Barcelona, the ICCA Global Congress in Porto, and others.