Dubai has won the rights to host 504 international business events in 2025, strengthening its standing as a top global hub for conferences, corporate meetings, and incentive travel, while highlighting the sector’s expanding contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Spearheaded by Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the successful bids mark a 15% increase year on year.
The events are projected to bring more than 272,000 delegates to Dubai through 2029, up 29% from the number secured in 2024, Gulf News reports.
The volume of incoming delegates is expected to deliver direct benefits to hotels, airlines, transport, retail, and hospitality, while also boosting demand in areas such as professional services and event management.
Beyond sheer visitor numbers, the strong pipeline of events is set to channel international expertise, investment interest, and industry-specific knowledge into the city.
Dubai hosted 481 business events supported by Dubai Business Events in 2025, up from 429 the previous year, underscoring continued expansion in the city’s live events calendar.
Bid activity also gained momentum, with 747 submissions made during the year, an 11% increase from 2024.
Officials attributed the strong results to close collaboration between public and private sector partners, as well as alignment with Dubai’s long-term economic strategy.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, stated that business events remain a key driver of both economic growth and Dubai’s global standing.
“Guided by the vision of our leadership, business events continue to play a pivotal role in supporting Dubai’s economic growth, knowledge economy and global positioning. The strong performance delivered in 2025 reflects the confidence international associations, corporates and incentive planners place in Dubai as a destination that consistently delivers excellence, scale and impact,” Al Khaja said.
Dubai’s event successes cover sectors such as engineering, healthcare, finance, energy, and technology. Notable upcoming gatherings include the World Engineers Congress 2027, Apimondia 2027, the SICOT World Congress 2027, and the World Ophthalmology Congress 2028. The financial sector will take centre stage with the SWIFT Conference and Exhibition, SIBOS 2029, anticipated to attract around 12,000 delegates.
The city further boosted its position in the corporate and incentive sectors by securing major programs like the Africa Energy Forum 2026 and UNLEASH Middle East 2026, both drawing senior decision-makers and global executives.
Throughout the year, Dubai Business Events maintained a strong international presence, engaging in key trade shows and conducting sales and study missions across priority markets.
These efforts were supported by initiatives such as the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, which leverages UAE-based experts to help attract international congresses.
Collaborations with international industry organisations, combined with Dubai’s robust air connectivity, have further boosted the city’s bid success. Dubai International Airport saw its busiest first half-year on record in 2025, enhancing accessibility for delegates from around the world.