InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotels Group Completes Event Center Renovation Project with Major Investment to Boost Dubai's Conferences and Exhibitions Sector

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InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotels Group Completes Event Center Renovation Project with Major Investment to Boost Dubai's Conferences and Exhibitions Sector

The InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotels Group has announced the completion of its event and conference center renovation project, following significant investments under the “InterContinental Events” initiative. This strategic step aims to enhance the regional status of the event center and Festival Arena as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in the region.

The inauguration ceremony of the renovated center was attended by notable figures, including Haitham Mattar, President of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Group in the Middle East, Africa, and India, Jonathan Timms, President of Al-Futtaim Real Estate Group, and Thomas Schmelter, Regional General Manager of InterContinental Hotels in Dubai Festival City. The attendees emphasized that this new launch will significantly boost the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector in the UAE and the region, further cementing Dubai’s position as a global destination for events and conferences.

This strategic move aims to provide world-class facilities and services that cater to events of all sizes, enhancing the appeal of the venue to both local and international guests. The Al-Futtaim Construction Company led the event center renovation project in collaboration with David Tkent Interior Design, creating spaces that blend tradition with modern elegance. Inspired by the traditional boats of Dubai Creek, each space has been meticulously designed to offer a personalized experience, combining the city's rich heritage with modern innovation.

The InterContinental Dubai Festival City Events boasts a large total area of 15,000 square meters for events, including a 7,200-square-meter pillar-free hall in Festival Arena, ideal for large conferences, exhibitions, and concerts, accommodating up to 9,000 people. The event center, spanning 5,000 square meters, offers a waterfront location with banquet halls, meeting rooms, and a promenade offering breathtaking views of historic Dubai Creek and the iconic city skyline. Additionally, the Holiday Inn & Suites features a 1,150-square-meter hall, catering to various budget needs. Together, these spaces form a comprehensive solution for all types of events.

Recent reports from Coherent Market Insights indicate that the UAE's MICE sector is expected to grow from USD 5.65 billion in 2024 to USD 10.01 billion by 2031. This rapid growth is attributed to significant infrastructure developments, modern facilities, and strategic initiatives that solidify the UAE’s position as a global hub for this vital sector. InterContinental Dubai Festival City's investment in upgrading its facilities reflects its commitment to meeting the growing demand in this thriving sector.

Thomas Schmelter, Regional General Manager of InterContinental Hotels in Dubai Festival City, stated: "We are delighted to launch ‘InterContinental Events’, which blends state-of-the-art facilities with our firm commitment to sustainable practices. Through this initiative, we aim to provide exceptional event experiences that not only meet our guests’ expectations but also align with Dubai’s ambitious vision for sustainable growth."

Schmelter added, “This project will greatly enhance Dubai’s MICE sector by developing a range of world-class venues available to companies across various sectors. With the upgrades to the advanced facilities at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, the venue now offers greater flexibility and comprehensive solutions for events of all sizes. These improvements meet the increasing demand for luxurious event spaces in the region, further boosting Dubai's standing as a leading destination for business and global conferences.”

As part of the global “Journey to Tomorrow” initiative launched by InterContinental Hotels, InterContinental Dubai Festival City has reinforced its commitment to sustainability through active participation in the sustainable meetings program. This program aims to reduce environmental impact by cutting waste, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting local communities. Key efforts in this regard include prioritizing the use of local products to reduce transport-related emissions, establishing an on-site water bottling station to reduce plastic bottle usage, and implementing an effective food waste management system, significantly minimizing waste. These efforts have resulted in the hotel earning Dubai’s Sustainable Tourism Seal, further solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly hospitality.

The enhanced event halls at the Event Center feature world-class technologies, including the largest integrated LED screen and a high-definition projector with 16.5 thousand lumens brightness, ensuring high-quality presentations. Designed by David Tkent, these multifunctional spaces combine elegance with practicality, with a prime waterfront location and a spacious promenade overlooking Dubai Creek and the stunning Dubai skyline. These newly renovated halls are designed to meet the needs of various events, from large conferences to private meetings, with easy access to Crowne Plaza and Dubai Festival City Mall.

Pranav Vohra, Regional Commercial Manager for InterContinental Hotels in Dubai Festival City, stated: "As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for the MICE sector, we remain committed to providing exceptional venues that meet the growing demand from clients across various industries, with a priority on sustainability.”