Latest news with #AhmedAlKhaja
Dubai Eye
6 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai wins 249 bids to host major business events
Dubai continues to shine on the global stage as a top destination for business events. In the first half of 2025, the city's official convention bureau Dubai Business Events (DBE) secured 249 successful bids, covering major congresses and high-profile incentive programmes scheduled through 2029. That's a 29 per cent jump in bid submissions compared to the same period last year, with a strong conversion rate of 64 per cent. These confirmed wins are set to bring over 127,000 delegates to the city, marking a 35 per cent year-on-year increase and reinforcing Dubai's role as a global hub for knowledge and innovation. DBE's international outreach played a key role, with sales missions across Asia, Europe and North America, and a strong presence at industry events like IMEX Frankfurt. Dubai also earned top global rankings from the International Congress and Convention Association, including number one for attendee numbers per association meeting. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, says this success reflects Dubai's world-class infrastructure, accessibility, and commitment to excellence in business events. Dubai Business Events, part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, secured bids to host 249 business events during the first half of this year, including major international conferences, meetings, and forums, which are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2029. This… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 23, 2025 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.
ARN News Center
6 days ago
- Business
- ARN News Center
Dubai wins 249 bids to host major business events
Dubai continues to shine on the global stage as a top destination for business events. In the first half of 2025, the city's official convention bureau Dubai Business Events (DBE) secured 249 successful bids, covering major congresses and high-profile incentive programmes scheduled through 2029. That's a 29 per cent jump in bid submissions compared to the same period last year, with a strong conversion rate of 64 per cent. These confirmed wins are set to bring over 127,000 delegates to the city, marking a 35 per cent year-on-year increase and reinforcing Dubai's role as a global hub for knowledge and innovation. DBE's international outreach played a key role, with sales missions across Asia, Europe and North America, and a strong presence at industry events like IMEX Frankfurt. Dubai also earned top global rankings from the International Congress and Convention Association, including number one for attendee numbers per association meeting. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, says this success reflects Dubai's world-class infrastructure, accessibility, and commitment to excellence in business events. Dubai Business Events, part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, secured bids to host 249 business events during the first half of this year, including major international conferences, meetings, and forums, which are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2029. This… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 23, 2025 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.
Tourism Breaking News
6 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
DBE secures 249 successful bids in first half of 2025, set to welcome 127,087 delegates to the city
Post Views: 48 Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau, has continued to accelerate the growth of Dubai's business events ecosystem and support the city's tourism growth in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, securing 249 successful bids in the first six months of 2025 to host events through 2025 till 2029, including major congresses and high-profile incentive programmes. This achievement marks a 29% 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%, up from 58% in H1 2024. These confirmed wins are expected to bring 127,087 delegates, a 35% 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. This performance underlines the overwhelmingly strong response to Dubai's destination proposition and global MICE positioning. The successful bids will enable Dubai to host distinguished international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings, with a pipeline extending into 2029. This growth reinforces the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which is focused on doubling the size of the city's economy by 2033 and cementing its status among the world's top three cities to visit, live, and work in. Through strategic collaboration, DBE, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, worked closely with stakeholders, partners, and local associations, including the Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, a network of UAE-based key opinion leaders, industry professionals, and government representatives working to bring international business events within their sectors to Dubai and secure high-profile events. The Al Safeer Ambassador Programme, in partnership with the Dubai Association Centre, plays a vital role in strengthening the city's global reputation as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, and conferences, contributing significantly to bid development and success. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'Guided by the country's wise leadership, 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. In collaboration with our stakeholders and partners, we continue to drive the D33 vision and make Dubai a knowledge and business global hub. 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.' DBE's active engagement in the international market contributed to its strong performance, with teams conducting five sales missions across Asia (China, Japan and South 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. These persistent activities have kept Dubai at the top of the minds of global event organisers and garnered the interests of decision-makers and delegates worldwide across core sectors. 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. Meanwhile, Cvent confirmed Dubai's leading position among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the region. These recognitions affirm the city's ability to successfully and seamlessly accommodate the needs of international organisers across all event types. Dubai's growing appeal is also reflected in its success across corporate, incentive, and association segments. 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. Through year-round engagement and close collaboration with hotels, venues, Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and other service providers, DBE continues to attract prestigious business events to Dubai. The bureau also hosted study missions and participated in international events such as IMEX Frankfurt, providing meeting planners and industry stakeholders the opportunity to experience Dubai's dynamic business events infrastructure first-hand. Through the rest of the year, DBE will continue to participate in key strategic trade shows and events including Epex, IMEX Las Vegas, IBTM Barcelona, the ICCA Middle East Summit in Bahrain and ICCA global congress in Porto, joined by partners and stakeholders to grow collaborative efforts and drive Dubai's business events positioning further.
Daily Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Dubai T100 Triathlon Returns in 2025 – Promising a Bigger and Better Weekend
The Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend is coming back from November 13 to 16, 2025, and it's set to be even bigger and better than before, according to the Dubai Sports Council. After a successful debut in 2024, this international triathlon—organized in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO)—will once again feature a 100km race (2km swim, 80km bike ride, 18km run) and a Sprint race (750m swim, 20km bike ride, 5km run). A Boost for Dubai's Fitness and Tourism Goals Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the event plays a big role in Dubai's Fitness Challenge and fits perfectly with the city's long-term goal to become a leading global destination for sport and tourism. 'We expect the 2025 race to bring in even more international attention, boost our economy, and show off Dubai's energy and lifestyle to the world,' he said. More Events and a Bigger Community Focus Eisa Sharif, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, shared that nearly 10,000 amateur athletes joined the 2024 races, along with top professionals like Olympic champions Marten Van Riel (Belgium) and Taylor Knibb (USA)—the first-ever T100 World Champions. He added that the 2025 edition will expand even further, including: More amateur spots in both 100km and Sprint races A Schools Triathlon for young athletes A Corporate Relay event for companies A community-friendly 5km Music Run open to all ages and abilities 'These additions will help promote a healthy, active lifestyle and make sport accessible for everyone in Dubai,' Sharif said. Growing Global Tour Sam Renouf, CEO of PTO, said the Dubai leg of the tour has already become a must-do event on the global triathlon calendar. 'The vibe, the support, and the setting at Meydan Racecourse were unforgettable in 2024, and we're excited to welcome even more participants next year,' he said. So far, the 2025 T100 World Tour has visited Singapore, San Francisco, and Vancouver. The next stop is London (August 9–10) before heading to Qatar for the final showdown.
Arab News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better'
DUBAI: The second edition of the Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend is set to return from Nov. 13–16, 2025, and promises to be 'bigger and better,' according to the Dubai Sports Council. The event will again be held in collaboration with the Professional Triathletes Organization. General registration is now open for amateur triathletes to take part in the 100 km race (2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run) and the sprint distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run). Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism — a key partner of the event — highlighted the strategic value of the triathlon weekend, which will again be included in the annual 30 days of Dubai Fitness Challenge. 'Our continued commitment to developing sports tourism through world-class events like the Dubai T100 Triathlon aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position Dubai as a premier global destination for both business and leisure,' he said. 'After the success of the 2024 debut, we are confident that the 2025 edition will attract global attention, contribute to the local economy, and highlight Dubai's diverse offerings to international audiences.' Eisa Sharif, director of Sports Events at the Dubai Sports Council, revealed ambitious plans to expand the event in 2025. 'We were delighted to host the T100 Triathlon World Tour in Dubai for the first time last November. The race was a valuable addition to our growing calendar of diverse sporting events, particularly as part of the successful Dubai Fitness Challenge,' he said. 'Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for triathlons, offering events for men, women, professionals, and amateurs. With world-class infrastructure and local expertise, we are well-positioned to host major international competitions.' Sharif said that the T100 had brought together the world's top triathletes, including Olympic champions, and had crowned the first men's and women's T100 world champions, Belgium's Marten Van Riel and American Taylor Knibb. 'Equally significant was the enthusiastic participation of nearly 10,000 amateur athletes across the 100 km and sprint races, as well as in the untimed 5 km music run, which welcomed participants of all ages and abilities. This community race aligned perfectly with the Dubai Fitness Challenge's goal of encouraging 30 minutes of activity for 30 days,' he added. 'For 2025, we are working closely with the PTO to expand all three race categories. In addition, we will introduce a schools event and a corporate relay, further enhancing community engagement and reinforcing our vision of promoting healthy, active lifestyles to improve the quality of life in Dubai.' Sam Renouf, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organization, said: 'The 2024 Dubai T100 Triathlon was a huge success, quickly becoming a bucket-list race on the new T100 World Tour. We're thrilled to be building on that momentum by creating more opportunities for amateur athletes — and now, corporate teams — to participate in a festival-like celebration of swim, bike, and run around the Meydan Racecourse.' The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour has already visited Singapore (April 5–6), San Francisco (May 31-June 1) and Vancouver (June 14-15). Swiss Olympic star Julie Derron leads the T100 Race to Qatar rankings for the women, while Belgium's 2024 T100 world champion Marten Van Riel tops the rankings for men. The next T100 race is in London on Aug. 9-10.
