The MICE sector in Dubai continues a strong pace as the Dubai Convention Bureau (DCB) has succeeded in confirming 12 major conferences in the first six months of this year, 50 per cent more than the last year and 20 per cent more than the target set for H1 2007.

Mr. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, DTCM Executive Director Heritage and Convention Division, said: “The conventions and conferences are expected to attract over 25000 participants to Dubai, thereby benefiting the emirate’s booming tourism and hospitality sectors considerably and strengthening Dubai’s status as destination of choice for the global Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.”

“Dubai is now the first choice for the global Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry due to the aggressive promotional and marketing drive of DCB, operating under the aegis of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).”

The emirate successfully won bids for hosting of 12 major conventions between now and 2013.

Mr. Al Ketbi said the DCB has managed to channelize the MICE strengths of Dubai to attract major conferences and conventions which in turn will contribute enormously to the economy in general and tourism sector in particular.

The economic impact will be huge with approximately US$200 million in investments in these conferences and exhibitions. Various economic sectors will be benefited from different activities of the organizers and participants who will be spending on their accommodation, food, transport, entertainment and excursions.

He praised the inspiring partnership and cooperation between the DCB and government organizations like the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) along with the private sector companies, including hotels and Professional Conference Organisers (PCos).

Dubai`s strategic geographical location, impressive infrastructure, cosmopolitan population, world class properties and convenient air connections play a crucial role in enabling the world to host prestigious events of any size.

He said: “The MICE facilities in both the public and the private sector have been expanded to meet the growing needs of the global community. Dubai`s capabilities to host more meetings, conferences and conventions are set to enhance with many more ambitious projects becoming a reality in the near future.”

The DCB supports all the convention hotels and venues of Dubai by marketing their facilities regionally as well as internationally and bids on behalf of Dubai at the international events

DCB become a member of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in April 2003. Dubai is also one of the seven members of the BestCities.net, world’s first and only convention bureau alliance. The emirate is the only member of the group from the Middle East and Africa region.