Events are a major driver of UAE’s economic growth
dubai — The events industry will continue to be a key driver of economic growth in the UAE and the GCC, also supporting growth in both the hospitality and tourism sectors, experts at the 57th ICCA Congress said.
The event drew the participation of more than 1,150 senior meetings industry professionals and association meeting planners from over 75 countries. Organised with the support of key local partners, including the Dubai World Trade Centre, Congress Solutions International, Emirates and Dubai Business Events, the congress brings together senior meetings industry professionals to exchange knowledge and ideas about the latest trends in international association meetings and business events.
Experts at the event said that business events are increasingly being recognised as a crucial driver of Dubai’s economy and positioning the emirate as a global business centre. As a global knowledge hub with a strong reputation for innovation, hosting the ICCA Congress offers Dubai a unique opportunity to present its extensive meetings infrastructure to business events heavyweights from across the globe, and in turn optimise international expertise to drive the development of the region’s rapidlyevolving meetings industry.
Helal Saeed Almarri, directorgeneral of Dubai Tourism, said business events are a crucial part of the city’s tourism strategy, as well as its wider economic development. “We are in a very fast changing period when it comes to the events industry. The events and conferences that we are hosting from all over the world has really opened our eyes to the opportunities that are out there. The growth in the events industry is driving growth in both the Mice industry as well as the tourism sector.”
He added: “Dubai is at the centre of a very large footprint across the region; we cater to a 4-hour flight path to over 4 billion people, and within 8 hours, you can reach over half the world. We are very lucky on how we are situated today. Additionally, when we look at our hotel capacity and our ability to host events such as the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai, we are confident in our pipeline. We are expected to have over 160,000 rooms by that time. Events and bidding for events have become a way of life for us.”
Nina Freysen-Pretorius, president of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), also spoke about Expo 2020 and what it would mean for the events industry.
“The ICCA has recognised the great potential in the region. The visionary leadership of the UAE, supported by the drive and determination of the nation, is remarkable. The Expo 2020 theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ resonates with what ICCA as an international organisation aims to achieve. The three sub themes of Mobility, Opportunity and Sustainability are elements that are crucial to us,” she said.
Events and bidding for events have become a way of life for us
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-general of Dubai Tourism