Cvent unveils list of top meeting destinations in the Middle East and Africa for 2019

Dubai retains its number one position while Beirut, Lebanon and Ras Al Kaimah, UAE make their list debuts.

TYSONS CORNER, VA – Cvent, a market -leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, released its list of the Top 10 Meeting Destinations for meetings and events in the Middle East & Africa. Dubai retained its number one ranking, further solidifying its position as one of the world's leading MICE destinations. The Dubai World Trade Centre hosted nearly 400 major MICE and business events last year welcoming nearly 3.4 million delegates - a new record in its history1.

Two other UAE cities were also featured in the list – Abu Dhabi (up two spots to 2nd) and Ras Al Khaimah (new addition to the list). As the country continues to flourish as a global business hub, the UAE is also fast establishing itself as home to some of the most prestigious events globally, including the upcoming World Expo 2020 in Dubai which will further cement its position as a top MICE destination. Beirut, Lebanon also made its list debut at number seven. 

The lists were compiled based on meeting and event booking activity through Cvent’s venue sourcing sites, including the Cvent Supplier Network, through which more than USD $16 billion in business was sourced in 2018.
The top 10 cities in the Middle East and Africa for 2019 are:

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3. Cape Town, South Africa
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
5. Marrakesh, Morocco
6. Cairo, Egypt
7. Beirut, Lebanon
8. Doha, Qatar
9. Nairobi, Kenya
10. Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Steen Jakobsen, Assistant Vice President at Dubai Business Events & City Operations, said: “For Dubai to be once again named as Top Meetings Destination in the MEA region is a testament to the city’s visionary leadership, as well as the efforts of all our partners and stakeholders. Business events play a critical role not only in driving visitation and making a direct economic impact but also contributing to the development of key sectors and encouraging knowledge exchange.”