Top 3
Dubai tops global rankings for MICE attendance rankings
Dubai has been ranked first worldwide for the highest number of attendees per association meeting in 2024, while maintaining its top position in the Middle East for total meetings hosted, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Cvent also confirmed Dubai as the top meetings destination in MENA
This recognition comes as Dubai Business Events (DBE), backed by a 30-member delegation, showcased the emirate’s MICE credentials at IMEX Frankfurt 2025.
Jordan welcomed over 224,000 medical tourists in 2024
Jordan has reinforced its position as MENA’s top destination for medical and wellness tourism, recording 224,740 international medical visitors in 2024. The first quarter of 2025 alone has already seen over 51,000 arrivals, continuing the upward trend. Demand is especially strong from GCC countries, with top inbound markets including Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
The country’s healthcare sector, supported by 69 private hospitals and natural therapeutic landmarks like the Dead Sea and Ma’in Hot Springs, offers advanced treatments ranging from diagnostic procedures to cosmetic, orthopedic, and vision correction services.
UAE steps up initiatives to boost women in Esports and gaming
The UAE is increasing efforts to promote women’s participation in esports, with new initiatives led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Muna Al Falasi, Director of Esports and Strategy at DET, highlighted the importance of visibility and support in encouraging Emirati women to compete on the international stage.
Last year, the UAE sent its first all-female Esports team to compete against Saudi Arabia, the UAE Esports Federation recently launched a national university-level championship, while the new Dubai Gaming Visa offers 10-year residencies to attract global gaming professionals.
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ICYMI …
- The UAE’s international visitor spending is projected to reach a record Dh 228.5B (USD 62.2B) in 2025, reflecting a 37% increase compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic numbers.
- The Haramain High-Speed Railway plans to transport over two million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, offering more than 4,700 trips and introducing a “Hajj Without a Baggage” initiative to streamline pilgrim travel.
- For the first time, Dubai has two restaurants awarded three MICHELIN Stars: Trèsind Studio, the first Indian restaurant globally to receive this honour, and FZN by Björn Frantzén, recognised in its debut year.
- Construction has commenced on the Asaan Museum (Misk Heritage Museum) in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, a mud-brick heritage museum designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to celebrate Najdi culture and traditional crafts.
- Wego has launched a Qibla Finder tool within its app, enabling MENA users to accurately determine prayer directions and times based on their location.
- Kuwait has introduced new initiatives to boost domestic tourism this summer, including extended mall hours, cultural events, special airline offers, and the launch of a comprehensive tourism guide.
- Egypt is set to launch a pilot phase of its new visa-on-arrival system at Cairo International Airport in mid-June 2025.
- Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has launched the Tourism Excellence Awards to recognise outstanding contributions in the emirate’s tourism sector from environmental responsibility, innovation and culinary artistry to corporate excellence.
- Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has added 6,000 vehicles to the Bolt app, significantly expanding e-hailing services across the city for residents and tourists alike.
- Oman’s “Adventure Tourism Experience” program in Muscat will commence today having run from 25-28 aiming to promote the country’s expertise and diverse adventure tourism offerings.
