COMMENT: WHY DUBAI MEANS BUSINESS IN 2020

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), explains why there are more reasons than ever to take a work trip or organise a large event in the city in 2020, the year it hosts its first World Expo

BTME exclusive with Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim

As we move further into a landmark year for Dubai, the city is benefitting from a global understanding of why it is a premier destination for business. Underpinned by the destination offerings and infrastructure that have already made Dubai the fourth most visited city in the world and bolstered by its reputation as a thriving knowledge hub with expertise across multiple sectors, the emirate is becoming the host city of choice for international business events with delegates from around the world choosing to network, share best practices and celebrate success here.

As a global hub for trade, finance, innovation and education, Dubai has built a strong knowledge base and strategies for innovation across key sectors including renewable energy, transport, education, health, technology, water and space, allowing planners to easily organise impactful events around these topics. Furthermore, with one-third of the world’s population living within a four-hour flight, and two-thirds within an eighthour flight of Dubai, easy access from global markets, along with an enabling business environment has made Dubai a natural choice for all, from multinationals seeking a regional headquarters to start-ups seeking to make their first steps.

From a space programme that has already sent an astronaut to the International Space Station and will launch a probe to Mars later this year, to 3D printing in healthcare and the setting of global standards in harnessing solar energy, Dubai and the UAE are hotbeds for innovation and excellence across a wide range of fields.

This year it is impossible to discuss the attractiveness of Dubai as a business destination without mentioning Expo 2020 Dubai. With its focus on ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and the sub-themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, it will be a landmark event, not only for the emirate, but the wider MEASA region where it is taking place for the first time. Expo organisers have already announced a strong programme of global conferences and events during the six-month extravaganza including the World Government Summit, World Chambers Congress and the World Blockchain Summit,

with more to be announced. Each will be staged at the new 45,000 sqm Dubai Exhibition Centre located at the Expo site. Beyond these events, Expo will provide an unrivalled opportunity for networking on a truly global scale.

Dubai’s tourism infrastructure expansion also continues to enhance the city’s attractiveness to business visitors and the city’s fast-evolving hospitality sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years to more than 124,000 rooms. New openings in recent months include Andaz Dubai

The Palm, Taj Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Address Sky View Downtown, providing more diverse options for business travellers, event planners and delegates.

There are also new attractions and experiences, from historic districts and museums around the creek to dining in the desert under the stars.

Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and a division of the DCTCM, provides corporations and associations with impartial and complimentary advice, guidance and support for international business event planning in the emirate.

It also continues to work with local associations and the public and private sectors to identify international events that will not only generate a short-term direct economic impact through delegate numbers, but create a long-term legacy for Dubai’s knowledge economy.

Don’t miss the top 10 Dubai business venues you need to know about in next month’s issue

“The emirate is becoming the host city of choice for international business events”