Business events key part of Dubai Tourism strategy

Director general was talking at the 57th ICCA Congress, the being held first time in the Middle East

The 57th ICCA Congress began yesterday in Dubai, the first time the event has been held in the Middle East.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is the global community for companies involved in the organisation of meetings and conferences.

“Business events are a crucial part of not only our tourism strategy, but our wider economic development,” said Helal Saeed Al Merri, director general of Dubai Tourism.

“Whether through year-round calendar the of home-grown trade shows — or major congresses like the ICCA Congress that we successfully bid for,” Al Merri added. “We understand and use the power of meetings and conferences to facilitate the rapid transition to a knowledge economy, and to grow scientific advancement and key industry sectors in Dubai.”

Attendance

The largest of its kind to be held outside of Europe, this year’s ICCA Congress was expected to attract more than 1,150 senior meetings industry professionals and association meeting planners from over 75 countries.

ICCA and Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau, have collaborated to create a programme of educational sessions, site visits to some of Dubai’s most innovative companies, and a social agenda showcasing the best of Emirati hospitality.