Dubai strengthened its position as a leading global business events destination in 2025, securing 504 successful bids to host international congresses, corporate meetings and incentive programmes over the next four years.
Driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the result marks a 15% year-on-year increase in successful bids. The events are expected to attract 272,262 delegates to Dubai through 2029, a 29% rise compared to the 209,545 delegates secured in 2024.
The wins span key sectors including healthcare, engineering, energy, finance and technology. Major congresses secured include the World Engineers Congress 2027, Apimondia 2027, World Congress of Intensive and Critical Care 2028, SPE ATCE Annual Congress 2028 and the World Ophthalmology Congress 2028. Dubai also won the bid to host SIBOS 2029, one of the world’s leading financial services events, expected to bring 12,000 delegates.
Beyond future bookings, Dubai hosted 481 DBE-supported business events in 2025, up from 429 in 2024. Bid activity also increased, with 747 submissions made during the year compared to 669 the previous year.
The performance supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the world’s leading cities for business and leisure. Business events are seen as a driver of tourism, investment and knowledge exchange, contributing to the wider travel and hospitality ecosystem.
Ahmed Al Khaja
CEO
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said, “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.”
DBE supported its global outreach through participation in major industry trade shows, including IMEX and IBTM, as well as year-round sales missions. Strategic initiatives such as the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme also helped attract international congresses to the city.
With a strong pipeline already secured, Dubai enters 2026 positioned to further expand its global footprint in business events and economic impact.
