Tag Archives: MICE

Safarak Travel and Tourism joins ICCA, expanding its global footprint in the meetings industry

Safarak Travel and Tourism, the premier destination management company based in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), is thrilled to announce its recent membership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the renowned global community and knowledge hub dedicated to the international association and governmental meetings industry. As RAK emerges as a growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, Safarak Travel and Tourism’s collaboration with ICCA is a strategic move to bring world-class association events to the region. This aligns seamlessly with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s (RAKTDA) long-term vision to position Ras Al Khaimah as a preferred destination for international meetings. “The affiliation with ICCA is a significant milestone for Safarak Travel and Tourism. It opens doors to a global MICE community and allows us to showcase Ras Al Khaimah as a strong contender for hosting international events.” said Cathy Mead, General Manager of Safarak Travel and Tourism With RAK gaining prominence in the MICE sector, this partnership with ICCA enables Safarak Travel and Tourism to play an active role in a global business networking platform. The collaboration provides opportunities to educate the international community about Ras Al Khaimah while fostering connections with planners who might be already familiar with other Emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, commented: “ICCA is thrilled to witness Safarak Travel and Tourism’s continued commitment to excellence in the industry. Their recent endeavors, especially the strategic collaboration with ICCA, exemplify their dedication to shaping Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for international meetings. This alliance not only showcases Safarak Travel and Tourism’s prowess but also underlines the growing significance of Ras Al Khaimah in the global Business …

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Dubai World Trade Centre solidifies its position as a premier hub for business tourism with a dynamic line-up

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has unveiled an exceptional H1 calendar featuring an impressive line-up of over 70 Exhibitions, Conventions and Conferences to be held across the two venues, DWTC and Dubai Exhibitions Centre (DEC) located at Expo City Dubai. The events spanning sectors like Healthcare, Food, Energy, Tourism, Transport and Technology are to set to further boost DWTC’s contribution to Dubai’s economy and reinforce its status as a global hub for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, said: “As a global MICE industry leader, DWTC stands as a testament to Dubai’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. In 2024, our focus is on growth and expansion – with both our venues, the DWTC and DEC, gearing up to host a series of high profile and transformative events. We look forward to the introduction of new exhibitions such as FESPA Middle East, as well as welcoming back prestigious legacy events including Arab Health, Gulfood, Arabian Travel Market and many more. These major exhibitions and ground-breaking conferences and conventions are poised to propel Dubai’s reputation as a leading global business and tourism destination.” In addition to showcasing an impressive roster of business events, DWTC continues to serve as a versatile world-class venue, hosting corporate meetings, sports and entertainment events. These diverse events contribute significantly to Dubai’s vibrant citywide calendar. DWTC’s content-rich calendar featured some of the world’s leading events such as: Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT) (9 – 11 January), Intersec (16 – 18 January), World of Coffee Dubai (21 – 23 January), Arab Health Exhibition and Congress (21 January – 1 February), UAE International Dental Conference …

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Visit Qatar signs agreement to renew partnership with the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI)

Visit Qatar and the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) have signed an agreement to renew their diamond sponsorship. The agreement is part of Visit Qatar’s efforts to promote and support Qatar’s business events industry, which is of great importance within Qatar’s tourism sector. Under the agreement, Visit Qatar will promote Qatar as a destination for business events and allow partners to create more opportunities for collaboration across all of the Association’s events and activities throughout the year. Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi said, Head of Sector Marketing & Promotion Tourism at Qatar Tourism: “Visit Qatar and the World Association of the Exhibition Industry have a long-term strategic partnership with the common goal of promoting and developing the exhibitions, conferences and incentives industry. Qatar is an ideal destination for hosting business events, thanks to the construction of modern facilities, innovative public transport networks, easy travel policies, as well as its geographical location and world-class tourist destinations, providing business people with tourism experiences that meet all their expectations.” Michael Duck, QBA President for 2022/2023, said: “We are delighted to continue working with Visit Qatar as one of the World Association of Exhibition Industry Diamond Sponsors in the coming years. Supporting this Global Association programme allows additional products and services to be offered to our global membership holders and ultimately to further grow their events and exhibitions industry.” Qatar is a major home and destination for major global events, thanks to the country’s highest security standards, in addition to hosting 128 meeting and conference corners, spanning 70,000 square meters. Qatar is strategically located between east and west, with an award-winning national carrier and international airport. …

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Dubai World Trade Centre to conclude its 2023 events calendar with strong line-up of industry-leading MICE events

Dubai World Trade Centre will be hosting over 100 events business and consumer events in the last quarter. It will include recognised meetings, exhibitions and conferences, as it gears up for what is anticipated to be one of the city’s busiest events seasons, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for business tourism with over 100 business and consumer events spanning vital sectors including technology, sustainability, food and beverage, healthcare, green economy, among others over the last quarter. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, said: “DWTC plays a crucial role in furthering the emirate’s position as the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) capital. We are witnessing substantial growth of flagship events like GITEX Global, ArabLab+, Big 5 Global, World Radiocommunication Conference among others and are equally excited to host new events at the venue. The upcoming events season will offer an unrivalled opportunity for exhibiting companies, participants, and the business communities at large to network and collaborate, provide access to global markets, while facilitating foreign investments into the emirate and contributing to the ongoing growth of Dubai as a business tourism destination in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33)”. September opens with Plastics Recycling Show ME, Sleep Expo, ME Foam & Polyurethane Expo, Adhesives Sealants, and Bonding Expo ME from (5 – 7 September), followed by Gulf Bride Show (13 – 17 September), Frozen Musical Celebrations (16 September), Sign and Graphic Imaging ME Exhibition, Connecting Trade Worldwide (18 – 20 September), the Annual Dermatology Conference and Exhibition MEIDAM (22 – 24 September) and the Forex Exhibition (26 – 27 September). The leading platform for the laboratory and analytical industry ArabLab+ will take place between (19-21 September) …

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Expo Centre Sharjah participates in ICCA Middle East Summit 2023 in Oman

Expo Centre Sharjah has participated in the ICCA Middle East Summit 2023, which took place from August 30-31 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme “Forging a Collective Path to a Prosperous Future.” During the event, HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, Chairman of the Arab Union for Exhibitions, and board member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry engaged in discussions with several CEO attendees, exploring avenues for strengthening strategic cooperation with association members to further the development and sustainability of the sector, initiate collaborative exhibitions and conferences, and broaden the prospects of the industry. HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, Chairman of the Arab Union for Exhibitions, and board member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, represented the centre in the summit to boost regional collaboration in the exhibitions and conferences sector and explore future opportunities and developments that solidify the sector’s contribution to economic expansion. Al Midfa also introduced a working paper highlighting the significance of the exhibition and conference sector on both regional and global scales. He emphasized its central role in bolstering economies, augmenting commercial activities, and widening the scope of economic and trade collaborations among individuals, businesses, and nations. He underscored that the global exhibition sector’s valuation, surpassing $151 billion, underscores its relevance to the world economy. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and North Africa, the sector’s worth is projected to escalate from $53.63 billion in 2022 to an impressive $76.67 billion by 2028. His Excellency shed light on the exceptional development and growth seen in the exhibitions and conferences sector within the GCC countries, with the UAE standing out notably. …

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RAK recorded 300% increase in revenue from weddings

In H1 2023, Ras Al Khaimah saw a 300% increase in revenue from weddings which is expected to continue to grow into H2 with the launch of the programme in September. Ras Al Khaimah focused on the fast-growing MICE market in H1 as part of its diversification strategy. Indicating a successful push to attract international markets for incentive groups with longer stays versus local corporate groups that tend to only stay for a couple of nights, the destination saw a 26% increase in MICE rooms nights compared to the same period in 2022. It also hosted several major events between January and June 2023, including the RAK Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour and Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC). Further establishing the Emirate as a unique and attractive wedding destination, the Authority chose EWPC as its platform to introduce an all-new Wedding Certification Programme that will enable seamless, quick, and easy wedding planning in Ras Al Khaimah. Those certified through the new Wedding Certification Programme will benefit from added ease and flexibility in obtaining necessary licenses, organising events, and gaining valuable business support from certified hotels via an e-portal. Planners will also gain a deeper understanding of the UAE’s civil marriage process, receive fast-tracked permits, and have access to a network of resources to help them confidently navigate through local regulations, including a curated portfolio of unique venues. Never before has a tourism destination introduced such ease and flexibility for wedding planners and couples. In parallel, the Authority also announced a series of comprehensive incentive packages for couples, wedding planners, and certified venues.

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Abu Dhabi recognised as Middle East’s leading destination for MICE events

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 …

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Safarak travel & tourism broadens global footprint

Destination Management Company (DMC), Safarak Travel & Tourism, which means ‘your travel’ in Arabic, is proud to announce its global expansion with on-the-ground presence in both India and Poland. With dedicated teams of experienced MICE and travel and tourism industry experts in both countries, the DMC will actively promote the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as one of the most sought-after destinations in the Middle East. As a proud member of RAK Hospitality Holding, a Ras Al Khaimah Government company that manages a diverse portfolio of hotels, hospitality, and leisure assets in the Emirate, Safarak has set an ambitious goal of making Ras Al Khaimah the preferred destination for MICE and holidaymakers from both countries. With an increase in the number of arrivals from Indian and Poland, Safarak looks to support the growth from both these markets, both of which sit within RAK’s top 10 destinations for inbound travel. Indian and Polish travellers will be spoilt for choice when visiting the Emirate considering that Safarak offers exclusive experiences that can elevate an ordinary trip into an extraordinary journey. From exhilarating desert safaris and thrilling mountain experiences on Jebel Jais including the World’s Longest Zipline, Jais Flight, to a wide range of luxury hotels and beach resorts, captivating city tours, cultural explorations, visits to the renowned RAK Pearl Farm, and a diverse range of delightful dining experiences to suit every palate. Commenting on the international expansion, Cathy Mead, General Manager of Safarak Travel & Tourism said: “We are thrilled to officially announce that Safarak now has offices in India and Poland – two extremely important markets for us for inbound travel. We are committed to providing our clients with best-in-class hospitality …

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ADCEB and UNICEO partner for corporate events

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has tied up with non-profit United Networks of International Corporate Events Organisers (UNICEO). The partnership will further build awareness of Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice for meetings and incentives through enhanced networking opportunities with UNICEO’s key international decision-makers, and through providing business support and destination awareness opportunities for Abu Dhabi, to UNICEO’s community of corporate events decision-makers. Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said: “This partnership will enhance our Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) offer and continue to increase awareness of Abu Dhabi as the gateway to the Mena region among its 2,500 members. This strategic partnership will benefit global corporations convening events in Abu Dhabi and help them leverage the diverse offerings of the UAE capital. “Renowned for its world-leading infrastructure, iconic hotels, state-of-the-art event venues and an unrivalled leisure portfolio of rich culture, natural beauty, global entertainment and thrilling attractions, Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination to host business events.” Laurent Fuchs, Executive Director of UNICEO, said: “Abu Dhabi is conducting an ambitious strategy to attract corporate events. We are delighted they decided to support UNICEO and trust their offer will meet our members’ needs.”

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MICE Events at Dubai World Trade Centre fuel Dubai’s GDP, driving AED 13Bn in economic output during 2022

In line with Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s objective of solidifying the emirate’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and travel, business tourism accelerated its role in fostering economic growth during 2022. Continuing to drive Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector growth in Dubai in a post-pandemic new market, the largest operator across the wider region, Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) event calendar remained an economic catalyst for the nation – generating sustainably high returns for adjacent industries connected to the MICE ecosystem. The latest 2022 Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) Annual Report estimates DWTC’s total economic output across 63 large-scale events at AED 13Bn, of which a substantive AED 7.4Bn was retained within the local economy. These business events hosted, organised and delivered at the venue, welcomed nearly 1.2MM attendees with 40% being international – an impressive 49% YOY increase in foreign participation, emphasising Dubai’s leadership as a global mega-event hub. The study further observed that direct investments in an event at DWTC generated 7.4x in impact across the wider economy, meaning that every AED 1MM spent at these MICE events, drove circa AED 7.4MM of economic output for Dubai across other interlinked sectors. “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the recently launched Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DWTC remains committed to furthering its contribution to the targets of doubling GDP over the next decade, particularly in consolidating its position as a top three global city,” said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, in his capacity as Director General, DWTC Authority. “The MICE sector has long been an integral pillar of …

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