Dubai continues to set the benchmark for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) excellence in the Middle East, offering world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and a strategic location that bridges East and West.
At the heart of this thriving ecosystem are two standout venues: the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). Together, they form the backbone of the city’s business events offering, supported by the city’s official convention bureau, Dubai Business Events (DBE).
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre: The Region’s Largest Events Hub
Located within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) complex, the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre is the largest dedicated events space in the region, spanning an impressive 120,000 square metres. Positioned in the heart of the city, it offers unrivalled access to hotels, transport links, and Dubai’s commercial districts.
DICEC hosts a steady calendar of international trade shows, exhibitions, and high-profile conferences, including GITEX Global, Arab Health, and the Dubai International Boat Show. Its flexible layout includes multiple exhibition halls, plenary spaces, breakout rooms, and VIP lounges, making it suitable for events of all scales – from global summits to niche industry gatherings.
The venue is also known for its operational excellence, with integrated services covering event planning, logistics, catering, and security. Its proximity to Dubai International Airport and the city’s metro network ensures smooth delegate movement, while the surrounding DWTC district offers over 40,000 hotel rooms within a short radius.
Dubai Exhibition Centre: A Legacy of Expo 2020
The Dubai Exhibition Centre, located within Expo City Dubai, is a legacy project of Expo 2020 and a symbol of the city’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability and innovation. Now designated a Carbon Neutral venue, DEC offers 45,000 square metres of exhibition space across two interconnected sites.
Its facilities include a theatre, auditorium, several multipurpose halls, four executive suites, and 24 meeting rooms. DEC was one of the main venues for COP28, underscoring its capacity to host complex, high-security international events. The venue’s design prioritises flexibility, allowing organisers to tailor layouts for exhibitions, product launches, incentive programmes and hybrid conferences.
Expo City Dubai itself is a vibrant district with cultural, retail, and leisure offerings, including the Garden in the Sky observation tower, cycling tracks, and educational pavilions. The area is well-connected via public transport and offers a unique blend of business and lifestyle appeal.
Strategic Support from Dubai Business Events
Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, plays a pivotal role in attracting and supporting international events. The bureau works closely with stakeholders to offer bid assistance, venue sourcing, delegate boosting, and promotional support. In 2024 alone, Dubai secured 437 successful bids, with over 127,000 delegates expected to attend events through 2029.
With its combination of scale, innovation, and strategic support, Dubai remains one of the world’s most compelling destinations for business events. Whether hosting a global congress or a bespoke incentive programme, the city’s MICE infrastructure delivers impact, efficiency, and a memorable delegate experience.