Business Events Are a Priority for Abu Dhabi

Business events are crucial in promoting Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities and aligning with the emirate’s strategic plans. This is reflected in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and other financial strategies, which work closely with the focus areas to identify and attract suitable events, conventions, conferences, trade fairs, and exhibitions.

Tourism is a key sector within this framework, and the Department of Culture and Tourism in the emirate is actively collaborating with leading tourism organisations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to drive initiatives for the development of the sector. In line with these efforts, Abu Dhabi will host major B2B business events, including the IAAPA Expo Middle East (31 March–2 April 2026) and Skift Global Forum East 2025, among other business events. These events are part of a broader strategy to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for business events, reinforcing its economic growth and international connections.

“Business events play a key role in fuelling the growth of our economy and create a crucial knowledge exchange in key sectors. Trade fairs and exhibitions act as drivers of trade and commerce, while business events, conventions, and conferences facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to the long-term impact and legacy of the city,” says Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

In March 2019, the UAE hosted the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, the first-ever World Games held in the Middle East and North Africa. Building on the legacy of the Games, the UAE announced its commitment to implement the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS) programme in all public schools in the country. In 2020, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan committed €22 million on behalf of the UAE to expand the UCS programme to six countries – Argentina, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Romania and Rwanda.

In addition, business events attract human capital from researchers, academics, and professionals who contribute to progress in various sectors. They also encourage foreign direct investment and help build active sectoral communities crucial for sustainable development and growth. Moreover, business events strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global influence for economic and intellectual benefits by positioning the city as a leading industry player. Besides, they contribute significantly to the tourism sector by improving hotel occupancy rates and increasing revenues for attractions, retail, and food and beverage, strengthening the emirate’s economic ecosystem.

“Three key factors shape our positioning as a global hub for business events. Firstly, economic strength makes Abu Dhabi an attractive destination for business and investment. The emirate is home to some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala, which manage over €1.51 trillion in assets together. Abu Dhabi’s economic growth, fuelled by a knowledge-driven economy, AA credit rating, and a favourable tax environment, creates diverse business opportunities,” says Mubarak Al Shamsi.

“Secondly, the strategic geographical location provides unrivalled connectivity. Abu Dhabi is within six hours flying time of two-thirds of the world’s population and serves as a central meeting point for global business events.

“Thirdly, Abu Dhabi is characterised by its commitment to innovation and supports a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem with 12 startup accelerators and incubators, access to funding and robust R&D support. The emirate’s global technology hub, Hub71, has nurtured 318 startups that have collectively raised over €1.4 billion, demonstrating our ability to scale innovative business ideas globally.”

Abu Dhabi’s leadership recognises the vast potential of business events and their impact on different sectors. The benefits, from trade and investment to knowledge exchange and sector development, underline why business events are a priority for the emirate. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the emirate strengthened its commitment to the industry through its stimulus fund, accelerating initiatives under Ghadan 21, a government programme to drive economic diversification. Much of this funding involved organising business events, underlining their strategic importance in the emirate’s broader economic and development plans.

“Sustainability is also a key focus for us at the convention bureau, and several initiatives have been implemented to support environmentally responsible business events. We have introduced Sustainability Guidelines for Events, developed in consultation with stakeholders, to ensure that business events follow sustainable practices,” says Mubarak Al Shamsi.

An example of this commitment was the 63rd ICCA Congress 2024, the first global event to achieve the Zero Food Waste to Landfill Event Standard, certified by The Pledge on Food Waste. Abu Dhabi’s strategic location further contributes to sustainability efforts, as its proximity to two-thirds of the world’s population within a six-hour flight significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with long-distance travel.

“We also recognise the importance of ensuring that our events are zero net carbon emitters, and we are actively reviewing and implementing strategies to offset the carbon emissions generated by our business events. Launching the Carbon Calculator for hotels and our partnership with Ne’ma to reduce food waste at events are just a few more ways we follow sustainability principles. These initiatives reflect Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of a sustainable and responsible hospitality ecosystem.”

Ninety-three hotels in the emirate have received their WTTC Sustainability Basics verification, meeting criteria that include energy and water conservation, green cleaning products and community benefits. Some hotels awarded the certification include Le Royal Méridien, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

“We are proud of the hotels’ continued efforts to improve their sustainability practices and contribute to a greener future, in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision of a hospitality ecosystem that follows industry best practices.”

The emirate’s business events sector is prepared for significant growth, but several key areas require attention to drive the global business events industry forward. Human capital development is crucial, as investing in local talent will support innovation and ensure the industry’s long-term success.

Abu Dhabi is developing the next generation of business events professionals to lead the industry forward. Another key focus is consumption and resource management, with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. To support sustainable growth, destinations, organisations, and suppliers must work together to reduce events’ eco-friendly footprint. Technological developments are reshaping the events industry, offering increased efficiency, creativity, and sustainability.

“Many event solutions can change how we plan and execute events, bringing the best benefits to our customers and creating mutual value. By embracing technology, we can stay ahead of the curve, streamline operations and deliver superior experiences for attendees.

“Business events are a key pillar of the Abu Dhabi Tourism 2030 Strategy, and several strategic initiatives are in place to ensure long-term growth. The focus remains on maintaining a world-class infrastructure, developing a skilled and well-trained business events workforce, and incorporating sustainable practices to ensure responsible growth. Moreover, technology, including AI-driven solutions, increases the sector’s efficiency and enhances delegates’ experiences. These strategic initiatives reinforce Abu Dhabi’s ambition to establish itself as one of the world’s premier destinations for business meetings and conventions,” says Mubarak Al Shamsi.

“We face challenges related to human capital development, sustainable growth and technology integration. Besides, negative perceptions of security in the region persist. Still, Numbeo has ranked Abu Dhabi as the safest city in the world in 2025, the ninth consecutive year it has topped the list since 2017, reflecting the emirate’s efforts to develop pioneering security plans, strategies and initiatives. We are founded by the Abu Dhabi government, which ensures sustainable investment in business events as a key driver of economic and social development.”

In the next five to ten years, business events will continue to play a central role in the emirate’s economy, supporting trade, investment, and development.

“The government is committed to continuing to invest in the industry and ensuring that Abu Dhabi consolidates its position as one of the world’s premier destinations for global business events.”