Dubai Business Events has launched its first-ever recognition program for Indian intermediaries in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) sector. The program, known as the MICE Star Awards, aims to acknowledge the crucial role that Indian agents play in promoting Dubai as a leading business events destination. Recipients of these awards will be selected based on the volume and value of business they bring to Dubai’s business events and wider tourism ecosystem.
In 2023, Dubai’s exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and business events sector experienced significant growth, with a 25% increase compared to the previous year. The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) attracted 2.47 million participants in 2023, reflecting the city’s economic growth and international standing as a hub for business and trade. The growth was driven by 301 events, marking a 23% increase from 2022, and Dubai secured 349 bids to host international conferences and meetings facilitated by Dubai Business Events.
Dubai Pulse estimates that the events industry in Dubai was worth $44.7 billion in 2023, with a projected annual growth rate of 25% from 2023 to 2027. The industry currently supports 100,000 jobs in Dubai, and it is expected to create an additional 10,000 jobs over the next five years. The strong performance and growth in Dubai’s events sector further solidify the city’s position as a premier destination for business events on the international stage.
The launch of the recognition program for Indian intermediaries highlights Dubai’s commitment to the Indian MICE market. In 2023, India emerged as the top source country for visitors to Dubai, demonstrating the city’s popularity for business events among Indian travelers. Dubai has also introduced a five-year multiple entry visa for Indian travelers to further facilitate travel between the two regions. Dubai’s dedication to the Indian market is seen as a key component in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda, strengthening Dubai’s position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism.
ResearchAndMarkets.com forecasts that India’s outbound MICE tourism market will reach $13.4 billion by 2031, driven by factors such as government support, improved air connectivity, and increased awareness among businesses and individuals about the benefits of attending international events. India’s business travel spending is expected to reach $38 billion in the current year, with a projected full recovery to pre-2019 spending levels by 2025, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Key drivers of India’s outbound MICE tourism include the pharmaceutical, finance, and manufacturing sectors. Companies in these industries prioritize face-to-face interactions and participation in international events to enhance business relationships and expedite projects.
