Dubai Strengthens Global Business Events Position at IMEX Frankfurt 2026

Dubai Business Events led a delegation of 20 stakeholders and partners at IMEX Frankfurt 2026, reinforcing Dubai’s growing reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for business events and international conferences.

Held from May 19 to 21 in Frankfurt, the annual trade show brought together global meetings industry leaders, destination management companies, convention bureaus, hotels, venues, and event organisers.

Dubai’s delegation included key industry players such as Dubai World Trade Centre, Coca-Cola Arena, Museum of the Future, and JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.

Dubai Earns Top Global Rankings

Dubai’s participation at IMEX Frankfurt comes amid several major international recognitions for the city’s business events sector.

According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Dubai ranked:

• Number one globally for highest attendee numbers per association conference in 2025
• Number one in the Middle East for total association meetings hosted

The city also secured the top position among the “Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa” by Cvent.

Supporting Dubai Economic Agenda D33

Ahmed Al Khaja said business events continue to play a vital role in Dubai’s long-term economic strategy by driving tourism, knowledge exchange, professional collaboration, and global connectivity.

He noted that Dubai’s participation at IMEX Frankfurt aligns closely with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

According to Al Khaja, the city remains focused on attracting events that generate lasting economic and social value while strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and international dialogue.

Focus On Sustainable Industry Growth

This year’s IMEX Frankfurt theme, “Design Matters,” reflects Dubai’s long-term approach to shaping business events that contribute to sector development, collaboration, and social progress.

Officials said Dubai’s strategy is supported by continued investment in:

• Venue infrastructure
• Accessibility and connectivity
• Hospitality services
• Cross-sector partnerships
• Innovation and technology integration

The city’s international business events engagement programme also includes participation in major industry platforms such as IMEX America and IBTM World, alongside global sales missions and destination familiarisation initiatives.

Dubai continues collaborating with international organisations including ICCA, International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO), and Best Cities Global Alliance.

Strong Growth Across Dubai’s MICE Sector

Dubai Business Events reported strong growth across its meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector during 2025.

The organisation submitted 747 event bids and secured 504 successful wins for events scheduled through 2029 — a 15 per cent increase compared to 2024.

These events are expected to attract more than 272,000 delegates to Dubai, marking a 29 per cent year-on-year increase.

Dubai also hosted 481 DBE-supported business events in 2025, compared to 429 events the previous year.

Major international wins included:

• SIBOS 2029 — expected to attract 12,000 delegates
• SPE ATCE Annual Congress 2028 — 8,000 delegates
• Apimondia 2027 — 5,000 delegates
• World Engineers Congress 2027 — 3,000 delegates

Officials said Dubai’s continued participation at international industry events is part of a broader strategy to secure long-term economic opportunities and strengthen the emirate’s global business tourism ecosystem.