Dubai Business Events drives continued growth with bid wins, strong participation in H1
This achievement marks a 29 percent increase in bid submissions compared to the same period last year, with a total of 391 bids submitted year-to-date and a conversion rate of 64 percent, up from 58 percent in H1 2024.
These confirmed wins are expected to bring 127,087 delegates, a 35percent year-on-year increase in delegate numbers, further enhancing Dubai's global standing as a hub for international business events and the emirate's knowledge economy.
DBE's active engagement in the international market contributed to its strong performance, with teams conducting five sales missions across Asia (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, India) as well as Europe (France and Belgium) and North America, engaging over 50 stakeholders and partners as well as representing Dubai in key strategic industry trade shows such as IMEX Frankfurt during H1 2025.
Dubai's global stature as a preferred business events destination was further underlined by new accolades in 2025. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai number one globally for highest attendee number per association meeting and the city retained its number one spot in the Middle East and Africa for total number of association meetings hosted.
Notable wins during the first half of the year include the 2029 edition of Sibos, which is expected to attract 12,000 delegates, the 2027 1st Conjoint Meeting of the Cervical Spine Research Society - Asia Pacific and Europe with 800 delegates, and the 2026 edition of the World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG), which will bring 2,000 delegates.
Other association events include the 2026 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat International Conference with 1,500 delegates and the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) with 1,000 delegates.
In the corporate and incentive space, Dubai secured the 2026 Africa Energy Forum with 2,000 delegates, the Herbalife Multiple Market Incentive with 2,400 delegates, and the Planisware Incentive with 1,300 delegates.
Returning events include Token2049 in 2026 with 15,000 delegates. Google will also call Dubai its home for two of its flagship conferences in 2026 and 2028, with 4,000 delegates each year. These achievements were further supported by DBE's Al Safeer Programme, which contributed to 51 ambassador-led bids during the period, winning 32 to date.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, '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."
He added that the diversity and extent of events booked this year confirm Dubai's infrastructure of international standards, accessibility, and market insight.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
26 minutes ago
- Zawya
Dubai to host the 7th edition of AccessAbilities Expo featuring 250 exhibitors, brands, and rehabilitation centres
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed: 'We are committed to empowering People of Determination as Dubai reinforces its position as a global hub for Assistive technologies." World Health Organization: Two billion People with Disabilities by 2050 International Experts: By 2030, more than 2 billion people will need at least one assistive product, while many elderly individuals will require two or more. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: People of Determination represents 10–15% of any given population, and currently totals 1.3 billion globally. This number is projected to rise to two billion by 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), due to factors such as aging, illness, wars, and illiteracy. In the Middle East region alone, more than 50 million People of Determination are seeking access to the latest technologies and rehabilitation innovations to help them live more independently and improve their quality of life. The UAE continues to pursue its goal of becoming the world's best country in caring for and empowering People of Determination. This ambition is supported by unlimited backing from government entities and dedicated efforts from the private sector to deliver high-quality services to this long-neglected segment of society and disabled visitors from across the globe. A Global Platform for Empowerment The AccessAbilities Expo (AAE) stands out as the largest of its kind in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It serves as a global platform supporting the UAE's vision to empower People of Determination and meet their aspirations for a dignified life. The 7th edition of the AccessAbilities Expo will be held from 6 to 8th of October at the Dubai World Trade Centre's Halls 5, 6, 7, and 8, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The global event is expected to attract around 250 international exhibitors, brands, and rehabilitation centers from 50 countries, with over 15,000 visitors from more than 70 countries. Numerous government entities, both local and international, will also participate to explore how Assistive technologies can enhance their services for People of Determination. Empowering Through Advanced Technologies His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Patron of the AccessAbilities Expo, stated: "Assistive technology continues to evolve, offering advanced features that improve mobility and accessibility for People of Determination. I am pleased that Dubai plays a central role as a global hub providing modern technologies to more than 50 million People of Determination in the Middle East who are seeking solutions to enhance their quality of life. We remain committed to empowering them by bringing world-class technologies and best rehabilitation practices under one roof, supporting them to live more independently." Innovative Products Catering For All Types of Disabilities Organized by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management, the AccessAbilities Expo will showcase several Assistive products for the first time in the Middle East. It is the largest platform for manufacturers and distributors of Assistive products, as well as a key supplier of these technologies to government bodies, rehabilitation centres, and healthcare and educational institutions working with People of Determination. Ghassan Suleiman, CEO of the AccessAbilities Expo, said: 'Strengthening empowerment, widening accessibility, and showcasing cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies are the core goals of the Expo. We aim to create more opportunities for over 50 million People of Determination and related centres across the Middle East region to explore these technologies first-hand and understand how they can have more independent and self-reliant lives." He added: 'This edition of AAE will also feature conferences, workshops, and free screenings, including the MENA Inclusion Summit - Advancing Global Best Practices for Equitable and Inclusive Education, the 5th edition Accessible Travel and Tourism International Conference, and, for the first time, a specialized conference on the Deaf community, alongside sports, arts, and health activities." 4,500 Assistive Technologies With over 4,500 globally recognized technologies addressing mobility, visual, auditory, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders, the Expo plays a crucial role in empowering People of Determination, who make up 10–15% of any country's population. According to the World Health Organization, only 1 in 10 people in need of assistive technology currently has access to it due to high costs, lack of awareness or availability, insufficient trained personnel, and weak policies. Assistive technology is a broad term encompassing both products and services that enhance functionality and independence. These tools, ranging from hearing aids and wheelchairs to communication devices, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and more—help individuals maintain or improve their functional ability and independence, thus improving their overall well-being. Over one billion people worldwide currently need one or more of these products. International disability experts estimate that by 2030, over 2 billion people will require at least one assistive product, with many elderly individuals needing two or more. A latest WHO report on Assistive technology revealed that about 90% of people who need it globally do not have access. A survey of 70 countries found significant gaps in service delivery and trained workforces, especially in cognition, communication, and self-care. For media enquiries, please contact: Ghassan Suleiman Media Consultant Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management Email: ghassansuleiman@
Gulf Business
26 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
WHX Tech unveils its agenda for September 2025 in Dubai
WHX Tech, where digital health leaders gather to connect, collaborate and drive impact, has revealed the full agenda for its inaugural edition, which will take place from 8–10 September 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organised by Informa and in partnership with HIMSS, WHX Tech will bring together the world's top digital health leaders, innovators, investors and policymakers to explore the future of connected, AI-enabled healthcare. Taking place across three dynamic stages – World X, Xcelerate, and Future X – the event will spotlight everything from smart hospital implementations to breakthrough biotech and startup competitions. More than 300 brands and a 200+ expert speaker line-up have been confirmed, with participants ranging from global tech giants to next-generation health entrepreneurs. The Xcelerate Startup Competition will host 40 startups competing for a $50,000 equity free prize fund and direct exposure to international VCs, family offices and corporate venture arms. Curated networking and feedback sessions will help ventures secure partnerships and commercial traction across the region. Below is a snapshot of the agenda theme happening on all three stages: World X Stage: Real-world digital health in action This stage will spotlight technologies and experts reshaping care delivery — from smart hospitals and AI-driven diagnostics to national health platforms. Day 1: Foundations of Digital Health Innovation The opening day focuses on building blocks: implementation strategies, ethical AI, interoperability, and infrastructure. Attendees will hear from healthcare leaders tackling real challenges through digital transformation. Day 2: Scaling Digital Health & AI Solutions Day two tackles the harder task — making innovation scale. From interoperability and business models to system-level execution, this track is designed to move beyond pilots and into practice. Day 3: Global Collaborations & AI-Powered Healthcare Ecosystems Healthcare's future is borderless. Day three will explore how governments, institutions, and companies are working together across markets to create interoperable, resilient healthcare networks. Xcelerate Stage: Where vision meets capital Built for founders, funders and dealmakers, Xcelerate is the launchpad for early-stage innovation and global investment. Day 1: Backing the Visionaries Explore how the next generation of healthtech unicorns are being identified and supported, with sessions featuring solo GPs, family offices, and European ecosystem builders. Day 2: Funding the Future This day unpacks investor priorities and growth strategies across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. From pilot to platform, attendees will learn where the capital is going — and why. Day 3: High-Stakes Pitch Final The week concludes with the region's largest digital health pitch competition, featuring a $50,000 prize fund and a global judging panel including Peter Jones , Vusi Thembekwayo , and Faisal Aftab . Future X Stage: Spotlighting what's next in healthcare Running across all three days, the Future X stage celebrates frontier technologies and bold ideas. With keynote presentations, startup launches and exclusive product reveals, this is where healthtech's future is previewed. Expect insight from global tech giants, emerging innovators and trailblazing thought leaders on where the next decade of healthcare is headed. Top Confirmed Speakers Across the Event Dr. Amin Al Amiri – Assistant Undersecretary of Public Health Policy and Licensing, UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) Dr. Devi Shetty – Chairman and Founder, Narayana Health Peter Jones – Entrepreneur, Investor, and Star of BBC's Dragon's Den and ABC's Shark Tank John Nosta – President, NostaLab Tatyana Kanzaveli – Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Open Health Network Joe Wicks MBE – Fitness coach, TV presenter, social media personality and author H.E. Mubaraka Mubarak Ibrahim – Acting CIO, Emirates Health Service (EHS) Mark Davies – Chief Health Officer, IBM Dr. Scott Parazynski – Physician, Inventor, and Former NASA Astronaut Laura M. Swint – Vice President, Digital Health and AI Leader, META Hub, Eli Lilly & Company Dr. Tom Mihaljevic – Chief Executive Officer and President, Cleveland Clinic Atif Al Braiki – Chief Digital and AI Officer, Dubai Health And many more… WHX Tech brings together global minds driving real progress in digital health — creating space for bold ideas, practical solutions, and meaningful connections that are designed to bring innovation to life. Click here to view the full agenda:
Zawya
26 minutes ago
- Zawya
Sign, Graphics, and Imaging (SGI) Dubai 2025 drives new horizons for Africa's print and signage investors
SGI Dubai 2025 returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 22–24, inviting African investors and trade visitors to witness the latest breakthroughs in printing, labelling and digital signage. As the preeminent B2B showcase for the Middle East and Africa, this year's 28th edition is calibrated to fast‑track market leadership and deliver measurable returns on investment. African visitors can register by clicking on this link - Africa's printing market is surging, with a regional valuation of approximately USD 2 billion in 2023 and a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.5 percent through 2030 according to 6Wresearch ( Simultaneously, the Middle East and Africa digital signage solution market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 2.3 billion in 2025 at an 11.1 percent CAGR as per Straits Research ( These dynamics reflect an accelerating shift toward digital, colour and smart‑labelling solutions—an imperative for African businesses seeking differentiation and efficiency. 'Africa's print and signage sector stands at the threshold of a new era,' said Abdulrahman Falaknaz, President of International Expo Consults. 'SGI Dubai 2025 is designed to accelerate innovation adoption and catalyse partnerships. Investors and buyers from Nairobi to Lagos and Cairo to Cape Town will discover the technologies and service models that will redefine productivity, sustainability, and profitability across their markets.' Last year, SGI Dubai welcomed over 200 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and tens of thousands of trade visitors representing every major growth market. SGI Dubai 2025 will elevate that experience with purpose‑built zones spanning large‑format and 3D printing, precision cutting and engraving, end‑to‑end labelling systems, advanced software platforms, sustainable substrates, and consumables. Live demonstrations, exclusive product launches and hands‑on workshops will enable African decision‑makers to assess equipment performance, negotiate bespoke financing and forge strategic alliances under one roof. Registrants gain complimentary entry, access to curated networking lounges, business matchmaking and insights‑driven panel sessions led by industry veterans. SGI Dubai 2025's show profiles encompass the full spectrum of print and signage technology: large‑format and wide‑format printers, industrial 3D printers, digital display and LED signage, precision laser cutting and engraving, automated finishing systems, end‑to‑end labelling and barcoding, workflow software and colour management solutions, sustainable inks and substrates, and specialised materials for automotive wraps, textile printing and retail point‑of‑sale graphics. Leading global technology providers will be on the show floor as they will showcase live demos of their latest hardware, consumables and software integrations—offering African buyers unprecedented access to innovations that drive faster turnaround, higher quality and lower total cost of ownership 'I extend a personal invitation to every African print and signage professional to join us at SGI Dubai 2025,' added Falaknaz. 'This is where you will discover the innovations that will revolutionize your operations, secure partnerships to scale your business across the continent and gain the competitive advantage you need in today's fast‑moving markets. Come to Dubai this September and let SGI Dubai 2025 be the launchpad for your next chapter of growth and success.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Expo-Consults (IEC).
