Dubai capitalising on fast and safe reopening post-Covid
CMW TALKS TO STEEN JAKOBSEN , ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT , DUBAI BUSINESS EVENTS
D ubai is a destination acclaimed for its deft handling of the Covid crisis . What is your message to international organisers looking to travel again ? As one of the first cities in the world to reopen for business events in the wake of the pandemic , Dubai has been able to build momentum for the past two years , underlining its status as a safe , secure destination .
We ’ ve seen organisers and delegates quickly gain confidence , understanding that the city has put in every effort to ensure they stay safe and can enjoy their stay . This was all underpinned by strong collaborative efforts across the public and private sector and through the creation of robust health and safety guidelines which led to the reopening for business events in September 2020 .
Associations , businesses and other organisations have been reminded of the value of face-to-face meetings . We firmly believe that when a destination can provide a platform for impactful knowledge sharing , professional development and business networking , the results far exceed anything that can be delivered through virtual events .
Dubai continues to evolve as an international business hub and as a base for international associations . How is this helping to drive future meetings business ? The more international businesses and associations we can attract to set up a more permanent presence in the city , the more likely they are to bring business events here . There is a strong recognition of this symbiotic relationship within the wider Department of Economy and Tourism ( DET ) that Dubai Business Events sits in .
A crucial element to all of this is the work undertaken by the Dubai Association Centre ( DAC ), that has been established by DET , Dubai Chambers and Dubai World Trade Centre as a one-stop-shop for international associations that want to establish themselves in Dubai with a chapter or a regional office . DAC has seen its 75 + members build a strong track record of hosting local events and successfully pitching for international events .
What have you been doing at the CVB of late ? DBE stayed active throughout the pandemic , maintaining a strong presence in all our key target markets , initially through virtual engagement , and quickly moving back to face-to-face as rules were relaxed globally . We knew it was critical to be ready to go the moment organisers and their delegates were able to resume activities .
We continue to host planners for study missions in the city and our year-round programme of sales missions and participation in major trade shows is also keeping the city at the forefront of consideration for planners . In addition , our
Above : Dubai - city panorama
“ Dubai attracted 9.12 million visitors in the first eight months of the year , approaching the 10.86 million that came in the corresponding period in 2019 ”
collaborations with major trade bodies and groups – including ICCA , BestCities , IAPCO , ASAE and GAHP [ Global Association Hubs Partnership ] – are allowing us to be part of the key global conversations that are driving the industry forward .
The collaborative approach we take is also reflected on the wide range of support we are able to provide planners , from financial and in-kind support , to guidance and introductory services to connect them with the city ’ s business events ecosystem .
What is new in terms of infrastructure and experiences / attractions for delegates to enjoy in today ’ s Dubai ? In Expo City Dubai + Dubai Exhibition Centre some of the key thematic pavilions began welcoming visitors again from 1 October .
Alif , the Mobility Pavilion and Terra , the Sustainability Pavilion and Expo 2020 Dubai favourites – including Al Wasl Plaza , the Surreal water feature , the Women ’ s Pavilion and the Vision
32 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 121