Latest news with #DubaiDepartmentofEconomyandTourism
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Business Events drives continued growth in H1 2025
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 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.
Tourism Breaking News
a day 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.
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Business Events Drives Continued Growth with Bid Wins and Strong Global Participation in H1 2025
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.
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders: Empowering Emirati talent for a competitive future
An inside look at how the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is pioneering market-aligned HR initiatives to shape a future-ready workforce that serves national priorities Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 'Today, I feel equipped with a strong set of leadership tools, and I know exactly when and where to apply them in my role,' says Muna Al Shamsi, a member of the Investment Support team at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 'I knew the learning would be directly relevant to the opportunities within the organisation I'm so eager to grow in.' Muna's journey is a testament to DET's commitment to cultivating forward-thinking Emirati employees and reflects the broader transformation taking place across Dubai's government sector, driven by pioneering talent development programmes. Dubai's rise as a global business and tourism hub is rooted in bold ambition, strategic foresight, and a long-standing commitment to investing in people, with DET taking inspiration from the city's visionary leadership to redefine what it means to nurture public sector talent in a rapidly evolving world. Aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to double the size of Dubai's economy in the decade up to 2033 and further consolidate its position as a leading global destination for business and leisure, DET is focused on building a resilient, skilled, and future-ready workforce. 'Human capital is not just a pillar of our strategy, it is its foundation,' says Nada Al Marri, Human Resources director at DET. 'At the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism we consider talent development a national priority. Our programmes are aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and are designed to accelerate Emirati integration into the private sector while raising the standard of government excellence. This is the legacy of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to empower people as the engine of Dubai's future.' This vision is being brought to life through a series of flagship initiatives designed not just to train, but to transform the future workforce. Among them are the Massar Graduate Programme, the Mini Master of Business Administration (MBA), and the Industry Exposure Programme. Each pathway plays a distinct role in shaping leadership and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors, embedding private-sector HR practices, and delivering measurable outcomes. Massar Graduate Programme: Building Foundations For many young Emiratis, the Massar Graduate Programme represents the first step into the world of government service. Created for recent graduates, the programme offers a carefully designed introduction to the inner workings of DET, from departmental rotations and mentoring to tailored skills development. Developed in collaboration with PwC, one of the world's largest providers of assurance, tax, and business consulting services, the programme combines structured learning, coaching, on-the-job experience, and performance evaluation. It is not just about technical competence; it is about instilling a mindset of curiosity, critical thinking, and long-term vision. Since its launch in September 2024, 18 participants have completed the programme and taken up roles across DET departments, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME). Mini MBA: Accelerating Leadership Potential At a more advanced stage of the talent journey is DET's Mini MBA, another example of how DET is cultivating in-house expertise. Targeted at high-potential employees, this intensive development programme comprises 10 modules covering core areas such as business strategy, finance, operations, and leadership. Delivered to 68 participants in partnership with renowned institutions such as the Human Network International (HNI) and Alliance University, the Mini MBA equips participants to understand the commercial drivers behind government decision-making, preparing them to take on broader responsibilities within DET and beyond. 'The fact that the Mini MBA course is designed by DET itself is what really motivated me,' says Muna Al Shamsi. Industry Exposure Programme: Crossing Sectors A unique talent initiative at DET is the Industry Exposure Programme, which has placed 39 DET employees in short-term secondments with leading private sector organisations such as KPMG, Al-Futtaim, and Unilever. With a goal to bring public sector talent face-to-face with real-world business challenges, each placement is carefully planned, from role definition to outcome measurement, and ensures that both the employee and the host company benefits from the programme. Participants come away with hands-on insights into everything from digital transformation and innovation to customer service and operations. For many, the experience is nothing short of transformative. Investing in More than Jobs These programmes do more than support individual career progression, they build a broader culture of innovation, excellence, and accountability across government departments. Al Marri adds: 'We are developing an ecosystem that fuels Dubai's growth and gives young Emiratis something to aspire to. By working with global partners such as KPMG and Unilever, we are redefining public sector human resources and equipping our people with transferable skills that transcend industries. This cross-sector approach reflects the Dubai model: agile, innovative and built on partnerships that drive Dubai's economic transformation and global ambitions. When we invest in people, we invest in the city's future.' And that future is unfolding fast. With more than 800 artificial intelligence (AI) companies based in Dubai and strong growth across sectors such as fintech, tourism, and logistics, the demand for agile and skilled talent is increasing. In 2024, Dubai ranked third globally for job creation, according to the Dubai FDI Annual Results & Rankings report – which is a testament to the city's proactive approach. DET's programmes are meeting this momentum and shaping what comes next. Today, more than 60,000 students are enrolled in vocational and technical education programmes in Dubai. Meanwhile, according to the 'Jobs of the Future' report, published recently by DET in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), 25% of current work tasks worldwide could be transformed by automation and AI. Looking ahead, DET plans to expand its reach by integrating more strategic partners, scaling its programmes, digitising training delivery, and aligning its programmes with Dubai's priorities in emerging sectors such as AI and sustainability. Al Marri says: 'With the D33 Agenda guiding our path, we are committed to ensuring every individual at DET has the tools and confidence to lead. We're building a talent ecosystem that positions Dubai as a global leader in human capital development. Our work today will shape the city's success for decades.' About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world's leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city's economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate's economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade. Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai's diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai's vision to become the world's best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall. DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai's business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET's portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).
CairoScene
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Indian Celebs Anushka Sharma & Virat Kohli Star in 'Visit Dubai' Ad
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli bring global star power to Visit Dubai's latest campaign, highlighting the city's top attractions and deepening ties with Indian travellers. Jul 06, 2025 Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and Indian cricketer Virat Kohli have teamed up for a new Visit Dubai tourism campaign, stepping into the roles of on-screen travellers. The campaign shows the couple experiencing the city's architecture, shopping scenes, and desert escapes in a series of cinematic vignettes. The project is backed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and reflects a broader trend of major cities using celebrities with significant social reach to drive destination interest. With a combined following of over 300 million across platforms, the couple brings major visibility to the campaign across both Indian and international markets. Dubai remains a leading destination for Indian travellers, with the country consistently ranking among the top source markets. The campaign is currently running across television and digital platforms.
