Dubai has secured 504 global business events, reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading destinations for international conferences, corporate meetings and incentive programmes. The milestone underscores the growing economic importance of business events under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and signals strong confidence from global organisations in the city's long-term vision.
The events were secured through successful bids led by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Over 272,000 Delegates Expected to Visit Dubai
The confirmed pipeline of events is expected to attract more than 272,000 international delegates to Dubai through 2029. This represents a 29 per cent increase compared to the number of delegates secured in the previous year, reflecting rising global demand for Dubai as a meetings and events destination.
The number of events secured also marks a 15 per cent increase year-on-year, underlining the city's growing competitiveness in the global business tourism market.
Business Events Drive Tourism, Jobs and Economic Growth
The influx of international delegates is set to deliver direct benefits across multiple sectors, including:
- Hotels and hospitality - Airlines and transport services - Retail and dining - Event management and professional services
Beyond visitor spending, business events bring long-term value by attracting international expertise, fostering partnerships, and supporting investment across priority industries. They also contribute to Dubai's knowledge economy by positioning the city as a hub for global dialogue and innovation.
Strong Growth in Live Events and Bid Activity
In addition to future events secured, Dubai also hosted 481 DBE-supported business events during the year, up from 429 the previous year. Bid activity remained strong, with 747 bids submitted, reflecting an 11 per cent annual increase.
Officials credited the performance to close collaboration between public and private sector partners, as well as Dubai's alignment with global industry needs.
High-Value Global Sectors Choose Dubai
Dubai's success spans a wide range of high-impact sectors, including engineering, healthcare, finance, energy and technology.
Major international events secured include global congresses and exhibitions scheduled between 2026 and 2029, bringing thousands of senior decision-makers and industry leaders to the city. Highlights include:
- World Engineers Congress 2027 — 3,000 delegates - Apimondia 2027 — 5,000 delegates - World Ophthalmology Congress 2028 — 12,000 delegates - SPE ATCE Annual Congress 2028 — 8,000 delegates - SIBOS 2029 — 12,000 delegates
The corporate and incentive travel segment also recorded strong growth, with Dubai attracting large-scale executive programmes that further enhance its reputation as a premium global business destination.
Dubai's Connectivity and Infrastructure Fuel Success
Dubai's world-class infrastructure and global connectivity continue to play a critical role in securing international business events. Strong air links, advanced venues, and a proven track record of hosting large-scale gatherings have made the city an attractive choice for global organisers.
Dubai International Airport recorded its busiest half-year on record, further strengthening accessibility for delegates arriving from across the world.
Supporting Dubai's Long-Term Economic Vision
Business events remain a key pillar of Dubai's long-term economic strategy. By attracting global congresses and exhibitions, the city continues to diversify its economy, create skilled employment opportunities, and strengthen its position on the world stage.
With hundreds of international events confirmed and more bids in progress, Dubai's role as a global business and events capital is set to grow even further in the coming years.
