Discover Dubai A Leading Destination for Event Professionals

How does hosting an event in Dubai provide an edge for event planners looking to impress their attendees? 

Dubai’s appeal is centred on innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. Planners can tap into Dubai’s iconic landmarks and rich experiences, ensuring attendees leave not only inspired but thoroughly captivated. The city's commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability further sets it apart, making it the ideal location for events that aim to impress.

The city offers event planners seamless connectivity, state-of-the-art venues, and extensive support for events of all sizes and scales, with world-class infrastructure.  Moreover, there’s a stunning range of hospitality options - over 150,000 rooms across 825+ hotels – ranging from luxury beach resorts to affordable lifestyle options. 

To ensure events proceed flawlessly, DBE works closely with our partner hotels, events venues, PCOs, DMCs and other service providers, to create events that are sure to impress. 

What is new and upcoming that we can expect from Dubai in 2025 onwards? 

Dubai is constantly evolving, and from 2025 onwards, we anticipate several new additions that will strengthen our offering as a leading business event destination. This includes the opening of a range of new hotels that will enhance accommodation options for event attendees, as well as the continued development of key venues such as the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), which is set to undergo an expansion from the current 58,000 square metres of events space to 140,000 square metres by 2026, and eventually 180,000 square metres by 2031.

Several luxury hotels are opening in Dubai in 2024 and 2025 - including the Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences, located in Deira, Embassy Suites by Hilton in Business Bay, Delano Dubai on Bluewaters Island, and the highly anticipated Mama Shelter Dubai in Business Bay. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is also set to open in early 2025, joining its iconic neighbours the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The Gran Meliá Port La Mer in Jumeirah One will open in late 2025, featuring 380 rooms with ocean views.

These developments are part of a broader strategy to build on the momentum Dubai has gained in recent years, positioning the city as a go-to destination for impactful and large-scale global events.

Integrating AI and Technology in Events

Dubai is at the forefront of integrating AI and advanced technologies into the economy, including the tourism and events sectors. Earlier this year, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) appointed its first Chief AI Officer, Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, signalling the city's commitment to leading the way in AI-driven innovation.  This is another step towards realising Dubai’s vision for the future in line with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence. The first phase of the blueprint also includes launching AI and Web3 incubators and announcing an AI Week in educational institutions. Dubai will also fast-track land for data centres and the new commercial license for AI.

Amid a wider innovative ecosystem in Dubai, there are many companies, from startups to multinationals, that are using the city as a sandbox for developing and implementing new technologies, including around AI. We anticipate that, from AI-powered logistics to personalised event experiences, there is scope to support event professionals in unlocking new levels of efficiency and creativity, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of the industry.

Be sure to check out Dubai Business Events at stand J60 at IBTM World, 19-21 November 2024!