The United Arab Emirates has cemented its position as one of the leading destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) in the world. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, vibrant culture and strategic location, the UAE provides an ideal platform for stakeholders in the MICE industry.
Rising to the Top
Over the past decade, the UAE government has invested heavily to develop world-class facilities, infrastructure and services required to host conferences, exhibitions, incentives and corporate events. Dubai and Abu Dhabi boast some of the most modern convention centers, hotels, airports and means of transportation globally. This has helped position the UAE on top of emerging markets for the MICE industry according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
In 2017, Dubai hosted 87 international conferences with over 33,000 delegates according to the Dubai Convention Bureau. Similarly, Abu Dhabi hosted numerous mega events such as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which brought in thousands of visitors. This rapid growth in hosting international events is fueling the UAE’s emergence as a leading MICE destination.
A Dynamic Venue for Conferences
The UAE offers state-of-the-art venues and facilities for hosting world-class conferences and symposiums. Dubai alone has over 100,000 sqm of column-free conference space across venues like Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Jumeirah Emirates Towers. These glass and steel structures make for modern and dynamic settings for knowledge sharing events.
World-Class Event Planning
Event management in the UAE is of the highest international standards with local players offering end-to-end services for event logistics, audio-visual equipment, catering, accommodation booking, registration, networking functions and more. On-ground coordinators ensure a seamless experience for attendees from arrival till departure. Local authorities provide green channels for entry permitting of prominent speakers and VIPs. All these value-added services ensure an enriching delegate experience at UAE-hosted conferences.
Strategic Location
The UAE Meetings Incentives Conferences Exhibitions is favorably located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, providing ease of access from major international markets within a six to eight hour flight radius. This strategic central location combined with well-connected aviation and sea transport infrastructure makes the UAE an ideal transit point for global conferences. Multiple daily flights connect the UAE to over 230 international destinations, facilitating participation from across regions.
A Thriving Hub for Exhibitions
The exhibition industry forms a major component of the UAE MICE landscape. World-class facilities like Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) host over 25,000 exhibition events annually across sectors as diverse as energy, manufacturing, healthcare, building materials and more.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
These venues sport column-free, air-conditioned halls with capacities ranging between 5,000-50,000 sqm, extensive parking space, on-site accommodation and latest technology facilities for organizing exhibitions of any scale. Advanced conference management systems ensure smooth registration and ticket issuance of thousands of attendees daily. High-speed internet connectivity, digital signage and simultaneous translation services facilitate global participation and networking.
Year-Round Calendar of Events
A vibrant calendar of recurring exhibitions in sectors like construction, interior design, electronics, jewelry and more contribute to the UAE’s positioning as the exhibition nexus of the Gulf and Middle East region. Major shows like GITEX Technology Week, Arab Health, Gulf Food, Index and The Hotel Show attract over 150,000 international attendees annually, providing exposure to regional and local enterprises. This thriving culture of fairs and exhibitions helps build strong B2B linkages while also stimulating the UAE economy.
Incentives in Style
Lavish experiences form the cornerstone of incentive travel in the UAE. With its world-class service culture, luxurious hotels and mixed entertainment options, the UAE stands out among global incentive travel hotspots.
Memorable Corporate Reward Trips
From desert safaris and dhow cruises to skydiving adventures and exotic island escapes, the UAE offers a kaleidoscope of activities to rejuvenate corporate high-performers. Luxury resorts and amenities at hotels like Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab and Emirates Palace blend seamlessly with exceptional Arabic hospitality, making corporate reward trips truly memorable.
Thrilling Entertainment All Year-Round
Incentive groups in the UAE are also treated to vibrant nightlife options at award-winning clubs, shows at global theater franchises as well as local cultural performances. Theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts offer gala entertainment even for families touring together. World class sports infrastructure allows indulging the competitive spirit through golfing, polo, cricket and more. These enriching experiences strengthen corporate bonds while leaving incentive attendees desiring to visit the destination again for business and leisure.
Over the coming years, as infrastructure projects like Expo 2020 near completion, investments continue to flow into MICE infrastructure making Dubai and Abu Dhabi increasingly attractive conferencing and exhibition hubs to connect businesses globally. With its perfect blend of facilities, services, strategic location and excitement, the UAE will build on its lead as the dominant MICE destination driving economic prosperity in the region.
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