Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has once again proven its global appeal by securing a record 437 successful bids for business events in 2024. This achievement solidifies Dubai’s position as a premier destination for international conferences, corporate meetings, and events, showcasing its growing prominence in the global business.

In a press statement, Dubai Tourism reports a 20 pc year-on-year increase in successful business event bids compared to previous year.

It adds that this achievement, led by Dubai Business Events (DBE), will attract over 210,000 delegates, highlighting Dubai’s growth as a competitive global business events hub.

Dubai Business Events will attract over 210,000 delegates, highlighting Dubai’s growth as a competitive global business events hub

The statement adds that Dubai’s success stems from collaboration between public and private sectors, making the city a top destination for MICE events.

It adds that this growth aligns with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, aiming to solidify the city’s leadership in business and tourism.

Dubai Tourism says that key wins include the 2025 WFNS World Congress of Neurosurgery, which will attract 4,000 delegates, the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit, with over 1,200 delegates expected and the 2026 FIP World Stamp Exhibition that is set to attract over 1,000 delegates, among other major events set to attract thousands of delegates.

Ahmed Al Khaja

It adds that Dubai also secured major corporate and incentive events, including the 2025 Oppo Guangdong Incentive for 4,000 delegates, the 2026 Forever Living Global Rally with 12,000 delegates and the 2026 Emerson Exchange with 2,500 delegates.

“Guided by the vision of our city’s leadership, business events continue to play a vital role in bolstering tourism to Dubai and supporting its wider economic priorities. The healthy increase in successful bids in 2024 is further proof of Dubai’s rising prominence as a destination that delivers not only world-class business events infrastructure and capabilities, but also provides unrivalled, memorable experiences for all organisers and delegates. Furthermore, it highlights Dubai’s status as a knowledge hub, with associations and businesses benefitting from expertise and innovation in the city, and also contributing to its continued development,” says Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals.

“To build on this momentum, we are engaging with all stakeholders, trusted partners and service providers, to elevate Dubai’s position as a leader in the competitive business events landscape, aiming for sustainable economic growth, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. We look forward to harnessing the power of opportunity to create further impact for the benefit of everyone, and demonstrate what sets Dubai apart to a global audience,” Al Khaja adds.