Tag Archives: ICCA

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has released its 2022 ranking, revealing Abu Dhabi as the number one destination in the Middle East for association meetings. As a globally recognised hub for the meetings industry, this ranking raises international awareness of Abu Dhabi as a leading business events destination and testament to the work that Abu Dhabi MICE sector has done to attract business events. With its diverse portfolio of world-leading infrastructure, hotels, state-of-the-art event venues and cultural offerings, Abu Dhabi is a thriving and dynamic business and events hub. There is something for everyone to experience at their own pace, from its world-class business venues and meeting facilities to attractions such as Al Ain, Saadiyat Cultural District and Yas Island – making it an ideal choice for those looking to host meetings, conferences and incentive trips. This year, Abu Dhabi has hosted a number of association conventions such as the 34th International Nursing Research Congress and is set to host the UNCTAD World Investment Forum, the International Conference on Advanced Robotics, the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13), the 12th World Environment Education Congress in 2024 and the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi topping the ICCA 2022 ranking is an accolade which is the result of collective effort and collaboration amongst the UAE government entities, academia, Al Nukbha Ambassadors, Emirates Medical Association, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and the MICE industry. Renowned for a diverse portfolio of unique attractions, world-leading infrastructure, iconic hotels, state-of-the-art event venues and an unrivalled leisure offering, Abu …

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, announced its collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), becoming official airline partner for the Middle East as part of ICCA’s Regional Travel Partnership Program. As newest member to the program, Oman Air brings 5-Star COVID-19 safety and network connectivity across the Middle East to association meetings professionals so they can re-connect with colleagues and work towards reviving face-to-face, in-person meetings in the post-pandemic landscape. “In securing this partnership, we are pleased to connect our ICCA members in the Middle East with an airline that will serve them under exceptional standards of health and safety. Meeting face-to-face is vital to our industry and we at ICCA World believe we can begin to do so once again as we continue to adhere to best practices in pandemic safety,” said Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO. “Throughout COVID-19, Oman Air has implemented and maintained exceptional health and safety standards on board our aircraft and across the entire passenger journey,” said Eng. Abdulaziz AlRaisi, CEO of Oman Air. “In-person, face-to-face meetings—whether association and industry meetings or the full offering of corporate travel and events—are crucial for the recovery of local economies and Oman Air is proud to partner with ICCA to offer safe travels for its members throughout the Middle East, and beyond, as we work together towards a robust restart of the interconnected aviation, MICE and tourism sectors.” “As ICCA Middle East Regional Director, I am proud to announce their new collaboration with Oman Air as the official airline partner for the Middle East region. Oman Air’s initiative during the current crisis and their adaptability demands applause and should be taken as …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will host a dedicated ‘Meetings Intelligence Workshop’ to strengthen the UAE’s position in the international meetings market. Taking place in Ras Al Khaimah at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel on March 1 and 2, 2020, the event forms part of an ongoing partnership between Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and the ICCA to address the increasing competition stemming from the shift of the international meetings market to the Middle East.  Specially designed for meetings suppliers and industry professionals, the workshop will address the bidding process and business development opportunities for association meetings and will host interactive sessions with recognised international stakeholders to share expertise, best practice and knowledge. Focus will be placed on subjects such as customer insights and successful bidding processes, with representatives from Spain, the UAE, Egypt, Oman and Saudi Arabia, including Convention Bureaus, Convention & Exhibition Centres, PCOs and DMCs, participating in the workshop. This will be complemented by a panel discussion for up to 40 guests with key stakeholders in the region. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism, comments, “The common objective of the workshop is to share knowledge, address challenges and learn best practices with meetings management professionals. Participants and speakers are those looking to deepen their knowledge of association meetings and are interested in high-level education with a chance to network with leading PCOs from all over the world.”

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is hosting its 57th chapter in Dubai. Running till November 14, the four-day conference is being attended by over 1,150 senior industry professionals and association meeting planners from across 75 countries. Congress delegates have descended on the city from across the world to experience a dynamic programme of education, networking and business opportunities. ICCA and Dubai Business Events have collaborated to create an exciting offering of forward-thinking education sessions, site visits to Dubai’s most innovative enterprises and a social programme showcasing the best of Emirati cultural delights and local hospitality. Welcoming delegates to the congress, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, said, “Business events are a crucial part of not only our tourism strategy, but our wider economic development. Whether through the year-round calendar of home-grown trade shows or major congresses like the ICCA congress that we successfully bid for – we understand and use the power of meetings and conferences to facilitate the rapid transition to a knowledge economy, and to grow scientific advancement and key industry sectors in Dubai and the UAE.” Nina Freysen-Pretorius, President, ICCA, said, “I would like to once again thank ICCA for selecting Dubai to host this congress, and to the Local Host Committee and all stakeholders involved for their role in planning. Our thanks also go to all the sponsors and supporting organisations of this event. The number of international association meetings has doubled every ten years since the establishment of ICCA 55 years ago, and we have identified the Middle East as an important growth area. In fact, we now have a dedicated seat for the region on our board, a permanent regional …