Dubai has emerged as the big winner from the World MICE Awards, which has celebrated its fifth annual gala ceremony with a black-tie showcase in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The business travel hotspot took the prize for World’s Best MICE Destination - the most prestigious trophy at the event – alongside Middle East’s Best MICE Destination.

The title was recognition of the world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge event facilities in the emirates.

Dubai offers state-of-the-art venues like the Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai, which are capable of hosting large-scale international conferences, exhibitions and corporate meetings.

These facilities are equipped with the latest technology, catering to the diverse needs of event organisers and ensuring smooth, seamless operations for both attendees and planners.

Additionally, the city is home to a wide variety of luxury hotels, many of which feature their own meeting spaces, allowing visitors to stay and work in a highly convenient environment.

Dubai was honoured with the title of World’s Best MICE Destination

In recognition of these achievements, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) took triple honours, winning World’s Best Professional Exhibitions Organiser, Middle East’s Best Convention Centre and United Arab Emirates’ Best Convention Centre.

DWTC is considered to be one of the most prominent business and event hubs in the Middle East, established in 1979 as a catalyst for the transformation of Dubai into a global business and trade centre.

Strategically located along Sheikh Zayed Road in the heart of the city, DWTC offers over 1.3 million square feet of versatile event space, including exhibition halls, meeting rooms and a multi-purpose arena.

Its world-class facilities are designed to accommodate a wide range of events, from large-scale international exhibitions and conferences to smaller corporate meetings and private gatherings.

DWTC hosts over 500 events annually, including some of the most significant trade shows and industry exhibitions in the world, including Arabian Travel Market, GITEX Technology Week, Arab Health and the Gulfood Exhibition.

Its modern infrastructure and cutting-edge technology ensure seamless event execution, while its proximity to luxury hotels, restaurants and key transportation hubs, including Dubai International Airport, makes it highly accessible and convenient for both local and international attendees.

The centre has become a cornerstone of Dubai’s business ecosystem, attracting professionals from across the globe.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, celebrates at the World MICE Awards, with founder, Graham Cooke
The strategic location of Dubai is another significant advantage.

The emirate sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, making it easily accessible from major global markets.

Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest in the world, offering direct flights to over 260 destinations, ensuring that attendees can travel with ease.

This connectivity, combined with a well-developed local transportation network, ensures seamless mobility for delegates, whether they are traveling internationally or locally.

Another iconic venue, the Museum of the Future, enjoyed a fruitful evening in Vietnam, claiming World’s Best MICE Event Venue and Middle East’s Best MICE Event Venue.

The groundbreaking cultural and architectural landmark explores the possibilities of future innovation and technology.

Opened in 2022, its iconic, torus-shaped structure is covered in Arabic calligraphy and stands as a symbol of human creativity and innovation.

The museum offers immersive, interactive exhibits that focus on topics like artificial intelligence, space exploration, sustainability and bioengineering.

It serves as a hub for visionary ideas and forward-thinking solutions, aiming to inspire visitors to imagine and shape a better future.

Amani Al-Aidroos, Head of Content and Production at Museum of the Future, picks up the prestigious trophies at the World MICE Awards

Dubai has a reputation as a safe, dynamic and business-friendly city further enhances its appeal as a MICE destination.

Business-friendly policies, including its free zones and tax incentives, attract international companies and foster an environment conducive to networking and corporate growth.

The city also offers a rich cultural experience, blending modern luxury with traditional Middle Eastern charm, making it an attractive location for incentive travel, where attendees can enjoy high-end leisure activities alongside business engagements.

In the accommodation sector, Atlantis, the Royal took three titles – World’s Best Incentive Hotel, Middle East’s Best Incentive Hotel and Dubai’s Best Incentive Hotel.

The luxurious resort on Palm Jumeirah was designed to redefine ultra-luxury with its stunning architecture and opulent offerings.

Opened in 2023, the resort boasts 795 lavish rooms and suites, many of which offer panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.

It features world-class dining experiences curated by celebrity chefs, including restaurants by José Andrés and Heston Blumenthal.

The resort also offers an array of amenities, including private infinity pools, an expansive wellness centre, and access to a private beach.

Elsewhere, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam at Madinat Jumeirah took the trophy for Dubai’s Best MICE Hotel, while Orient Travel took Dubai’s Best MICE Organiser.

Atlantis, the Royal has been a major asset for the Dubai MICE market

The World MICE Awards prizes come against a positive backdrop for Dubai.

The emirate welcomed 5.18 million international overnight visitors from January to March 2024, an 11 per cent rise over the 4.67 million tourist arrivals during the same period in 2023, according to data published by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Following a milestone year in 2023, with Dubai receiving a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors, the tourism industry is building on the momentum in the first quarter of the year.

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This growth also aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate a position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

Jumeirah Mina A’Salam at Madinat Jumeirah took the title of Dubai’s Best MICE Hotel at the World MICE Awards

Commending the achievement, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said: “The number of visitors in the first quarter of 2024 indicates that Dubai is on course for another standout performance this year after the emirate received a record number of visitors last year, with international visitors reaching 17.15 million.

“This will ensure that the tourism sector continues its growth journey in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen its position as a leading global city for business and leisure.”

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More Information

World MICE Awards is the sister event to World Travel Awards, with more information on the official website.