Dubai Business Events Accelerates Momentum in H1 2025 with Record Bid Wins and Delegate Growth

Securing 249 event bids and over 127,000 delegates, DBE reinforces Dubai’s global standing as a premier business events hub aligned with the D33 Economic Agenda

Dubai, UAE — Dubai’s stature as a global epicentre for business events has surged to new heights in the first half of 2025, with Dubai Business Events (DBE)—the city’s official convention bureau—announcing 249 successful bids to host conferences, congresses, and incentive programmes from now through 2029. These wins are set to bring 127,087 delegates to Dubai, marking a 35% year-on-year increase and significantly bolstering the emirate’s knowledge economy and tourism ecosystem.

The milestone represents a 64% bid conversion rate, a marked improvement from 58% in H1 2024, and comes as DBE submitted 391 bids, a 29% increase from the same period last year. This exceptional performance is closely aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the city’s economy by 2033 and position Dubai among the world’s top three cities to live, work, and visit.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), commented:
“Guided by the UAE’s visionary leadership, Dubai’s performance in H1 2025 is a testament to our city’s unwavering commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the global business events sector. The scale and diversity of events secured highlight our infrastructure, accessibility, and insights into international market needs.”

DBE’s growth has been powered by strategic partnerships with stakeholders, local associations, and its Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme—a unique network of UAE-based industry leaders, academics, and government officials. In H1 2025, 51 ambassador-led bids were submitted, with 32 confirmed wins to date. The programme, in collaboration with the Dubai Association Centre, continues to be a driving force in securing high-profile international events.

Among the major upcoming events secured:

• Sibos 2029 – 12,000 delegates
• World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG) 2026 – 2,000 delegates
• Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat International Conference 2026 – 1,500 delegates
• International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) 2026 – 1,000 delegates
• Herbalife Multiple Market Incentive 2026 – 2,400 delegates
• Africa Energy Forum 2026 – 2,000 delegates
• Google Flagship Conferences 2026 & 2028 – 4,000 delegates each
• Token2049 returns in 2026 – 15,000 delegates

In addition to its local initiatives, DBE maintained a robust international presence in H1 2025. The bureau conducted five high-impact sales missions across Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, and India), Europe (France and Belgium), and North America, engaging with over 50 stakeholders and partners. DBE also represented Dubai at global industry events, including IMEX Frankfurt, reinforcing the city’s visibility and appeal to international event organisers.

Dubai’s prominence as a business events destination was further validated by new international accolades:

• #1 globally by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for highest average attendees per association meeting
• #1 in the Middle East & Africa for total number of association meetings hosted
• Featured in Cvent’s Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the region

As 2025 progresses, DBE is poised to sustain its upward trajectory, with planned participation in key industry events such as IMEX Las Vegas, IBTM Barcelona, Epex, the ICCA Middle East Summit in Bahrain, and the ICCA Global Congress in Porto. These engagements aim to deepen collaboration with global stakeholders and attract even more prestigious events to Dubai.