Middle East MICE: Rapid Growth, Big Venues — UAE and Saudi Lead the Charge

Industry Update
November 21, 2025

Strong infrastructure investment, new large-scale venues and strategic national plans are driving double-digit returns for event suppliers and planners across the Gulf — with the UAE and Saudi markets set to capture most of that upside.

Big picture growth: The UAE’s MICE market is forecast to grow from roughly USD 6.0B (2025) to USD 9.26B by 2030, at about 8.96% CAGR.
Saudi surge: Saudi Arabia’s MICE market is projected to reach ~USD 5.3B by 2030, growing at roughly 10.9–11% CAGR — the fastest pace in the Gulf.
Regional leadership: Together, Gulf investments in airports, integrated resorts, convention centres and hospitality (plus national strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE tourism plans) are turning the Middle East into one of the world’s most attractive regions for large-scale conferences, incentive travel and exhibitions.

Why it matters for event planners

Larger budgets and longer lead times for major congresses and incentives as host nations subsidise major bids.
Rapidly improving air connectivity and new hotel stock reduce logistical friction for incoming delegations.
Tech adoption (AI, hybrid formats) and sustainability requirements are raising supplier standards and creating new product and revenue opportunities for experiential agencies and venue partners.
Quick takeaway for suppliers & buyers: Prioritise GCC-capable RFP responses, invest in hybrid-capable production, and position high-value experiential programming (incentives, gala experiences, off-site luxury product), demand and budgets are following the region’s venue and connectivity upgrades.