Tourism

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism showcased the country's innovative approach to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector during its participation at IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world's leading exhibitions dedicated to the global events industry.

The UAE delegation was led by H.E. Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Tourism, who highlighted the nation's achievements in business tourism and its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in hosting major global events.

UAE Reinforces Position as a Global MICE Destination

During a high-level panel discussion titled "State of the Industry: Designing Our Future," H.E. Al Kait emphasized the UAE's continued efforts to develop a world-class MICE ecosystem built on innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and advanced infrastructure.

"The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a pioneering global destination in the MICE industry, supported by advanced infrastructure, a flexible operational ecosystem, and a forward-looking vision centered on innovation and sustainability," he said.

He noted that these efforts align closely with the objectives of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to position the country among the world's leading tourism destinations over the next decade.

Strong Tourism Growth Supports Business Events Sector

H.E. Al Kait highlighted the UAE's proactive approach to overcoming global challenges, particularly within the tourism and events sectors. He pointed to the country's rapid reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic and its successful hosting of landmark international events, including Expo 2020 Dubai and GITEX Global, which reinforced the UAE's reputation as a preferred destination for both leisure and business tourism.

The country's tourism sector continued its strong upward trajectory in 2025, welcoming more than 32 million hotel guests, reflecting sustained demand for international travel, conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events.

AI and Digital Transformation Driving Future Growth

A key focus of the UAE's participation at IMEX Frankfurt was its strategy to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation to enhance visitor experiences and improve operational efficiency across the MICE ecosystem.

According to H.E. Al Kait, the UAE's comprehensive approach to adopting emerging technologies is helping elevate the competitiveness of its tourism destinations, exhibition centers, and conference facilities while keeping pace with evolving global industry trends.

The integration of AI-driven solutions is expected to further personalize visitor experiences, streamline event management processes, and support sustainable growth across the sector.

Expanding International Partnerships

On the sidelines of IMEX Frankfurt 2026, H.E. Al Kait held a series of bilateral meetings with leading international organizations and companies operating within the MICE industry.

The discussions, attended by representatives from tourism authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, focused on strengthening tourism partnerships, attracting more international events to the UAE, and promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices.

These engagements form part of the UAE's broader efforts to enhance international collaboration, accelerate tourism development, and further strengthen the country's position as a global hub for business events and conferences.

Driving the Future of Global Events

With ongoing investments in world-class exhibition facilities, advanced digital infrastructure, and sustainable tourism initiatives, the UAE continues to position itself at the forefront of the global MICE industry.

As demand for business tourism and international events grows, the country's strategic vision, combined with its commitment to innovation and technology, is expected to play a central role in shaping the future of meetings, conferences, and exhibitions both regionally and globally.

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