Dubai wins 249 bids to host major business events

Dubai continues to shine on the global stage as a top destination for business events.

In the first half of 2025, the city’s official convention bureau Dubai Business Events (DBE) secured 249 successful bids, covering major congresses and high-profile incentive programmes scheduled through 2029.

That’s a 29 per cent jump in bid submissions compared to the same period last year, with a strong conversion rate of 64 per cent.

These confirmed wins are set to bring over 127,000 delegates to the city, marking a 35 per cent year-on-year increase and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for knowledge and innovation.

DBE's international outreach played a key role, with sales missions across Asia, Europe and North America, and a strong presence at industry events like IMEX Frankfurt.

Dubai also earned top global rankings from the International Congress and Convention Association, including number one for attendee numbers per association meeting.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, says this success reflects Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, accessibility, and commitment to excellence in business events.

Dubai Business Events, part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, secured bids to host 249 business events during the first half of this year, including major international conferences, meetings, and forums, which are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2029. This… pic.twitter.com/ksPMGApYFq

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 23, 2025

Notable wins during the first half of the year include the 2029 edition of Sibos, which is expected to attract 12,000 delegates, the 2027 1st Conjoint Meeting of the Cervical Spine Research Society - Asia Pacific and Europe with 800 delegates, and the 2026 edition of the World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG), which will bring 2,000 delegates.

Other association events include the 2026 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat International Conference with 1,500 delegates and the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) with 1,000 delegates.

In the corporate and incentive space, Dubai secured the 2026 Africa Energy Forum with 2,000 delegates, the Herbalife Multiple Market Incentive with 2,400 delegates, and the Planisware Incentive with 1,300 delegates.

Returning events include Token2049 in 2026 with 15,000 delegates.

Google will also call Dubai its home for two of its flagship conferences in 2026 and 2028, with 4,000 delegates each year. These achievements were further supported by DBE’s Al Safeer Programme, which contributed to 51 ambassador-led bids during the period, winning 32 to date.