The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman have emerged as the top three meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice) destinations in the GCC.

The number of international association meetings in the region has more than tripled over the last 10 years, earning the Gulf global prestige as a popular meeting and incentive hub, according to a recent report.

The UAE boasts nearly 50 per cent of the $1 trillion construction projects currently under way in the GCC, enabling it to emerge as the top Mice destination in the region. With its successful bid to host World Expo 2020, the UAE will continue its lead through its well-established business events industry.

Dubai, host to almost 27 per cent of all events staged in the region, is set to welcome more than 25 million visitors over a period of six months during the expo. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, generates $700 million from its Mice sector and is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 7 per cent to reach $1.4 billion by 2020. 

Dmg events, an international events company, is a key player in the GCC’s thriving Mice sector. It has facilitated the growth of the sector by hosting a series of high-profile and industry-relevant exhibitions and conferences. It currently organises 25 annual events across the Mena region, which include The Big 5 in Dubai, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia: The Hotel Show and Leisure Show in Dubai; the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec); the International Design Exhibition (Index); Middle East Concrete; and PMV Live, among others.

Simon Mellor, president, dmg events- Middle East & Asia, said: “The GCC’s Mice industry has witnessed an exponential growth, contributing towards the region’s economic stability. Like in any country, the sector, which is instrumental in furthering organisational objectives and success, plays a fundamental role in the UAE’s overall economic development. Dmg events helps drive this growth through its international experience and professional expertise in organising large-scale events across various industry segments. We extend our support and cooperation to the GCC as it becomes the focal point for some of the world’s leading international Mice events”.  – TradeArabia News Service