T H E L E A D I N G P U B L I C A T I O N F O R M I D D L E E A S T M E E T I N G , I N C E N T I V E & E V E N T P L A N N E R S
M A Y / J U N 2 0 1 1 — W W W . M E E T M I D D L E E A S T . C O M
CHALLENGES VIRTUAL Your Essential Destination and Meetings Guide WHY HYBRID MEE ur Essential Destination and Meetings Guide
www.meetmiddleeast.com TUAL
www.meetmiddleeast.com WHY HYBRID MEETINGS ARE HERE TO STAYTINGS ARE HERE
MEET ABU DHABI
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21/03/2011 09:28
T H E L E A D I N G P U B L I C A T I O N F O R M I D D L E E A S T M E E T I N G , I N C E N T I V E & E V E N T P L A N N E R S
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COUNTRY FOCUS / DUBAI COMPETE TO
With many of its iconic developments now operational, the attraction of Dubai as a hub for international trade and tourism continues to be part of a long-term vision that is being developed from the ground up.
2010 saw a natural slowdown in frenetic activity across the city as mega projects came to fruition. Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, had its official opening early last year, while residents of the city have become accustomed to the sight of Dubai Metro trains running along their skytracks. A number of new stations opened last year bringing the total number of operational stations to 27.
Other milestone achievements to impact the skyline include the launch of the first phase of the mammoth Meydan development located on the site of the legendary Nad Al Sheba racecourse, home to the annual Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race. In March 2010 the 60,000-seater Meydan Grandstand opened to international acclaim along with The Meydan Hotel overlooking the famous race track.
along with The Meydan Hotel overlooking the famous race track
Grandstand opened to international acclaim
60,000 seater Meydan
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As many Gulf destinations race to complete infrastructure and attractions, we outline some of Dubai’s recently completed projects and those coming up fast that still position the emirate in pole
COMPLETE
PRECISELY TARGETED MEDIA TO REACH MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS WORLDWIDE abudhabi
dubai egypt jordan oman qatar saudiarabia
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ANALYSIS / REGION REGION ON THE RISE
This region will play host to more meetings and events in 2011 compared to last year – that was the collective view of respondents participating in the fifth Middle East Meetings Industry Research Report. The report, conducted by The Right Solution on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions and unveiled at the fifth annual GIBTM, revealed a bright outlook among Hosted Buyers for the meetings industry in the Middle East; many still believe it remains a key destination for conferences, exhibitions and incentives, despite recent political protests in Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen. Similarly, Jim O’Neill from Goldman Sachs Asset Management is confident about the region’s general
long-
term prospects, claiming it has the potential to become the world’s next big economic force.
Alongside most other sec tors in the region, the meetings industry has an extremely bright future if O’Neill’s assertion proves accurate.
According to the survey, the Middle East’s rapidly growing economy has contributed to a sharp rise in the number of events taking place throughout 2010 – more than any other year since the report was first produced.
On average, 6.2 events were held per
organiser last year, with 89 percent of the 555 respondents expecting to arrange at least the same if not more in 2011. Meanwhile, the average number of
delegates attending events in 2011 remained virtually static at 208 from last year, with most originating from Europe and Asia. The duration of shows taking place in
the Middle East is down to 3.37 days from 3.9 days; a relief for organisers with lower budgets (US$1.89 million on average).
26 / Volume of events
Budgets for individual events
Marketing and promotiotional budgets
Events selecting new destinations
55,629 active hotel rooms in the UAE
How do you think the following items will change for the meetings and incentives business over the next 12 months (2011) compared to 2010?
Increase
2011 66%
34% 35% 45%
2010 50%
73% 24% 55% 2011 8% 25% 26% 20% Decrease 2010
14% 41%
38% 14% 2011
26% 42%
39% 36% Your Essential Destination and Meetings Guide
Even amid a global economic crisis and political concerns new research on the Middle East meetings industry points to a b
The UAE remains the most popula
the main destination for respondents, for satisfaction levels. “The challenge ahead is to ensure hig are maintained as supply increases. The region has seen in recent years does not ap to projects experienced during the recessio director for The Right Solution, in the M Research Report. Greenhill added that wh UAE have increased since last year, propertie “The Middle East STR report recentl rooms in the UAE with a further 29,323 und
YOUR ESSENTIAL DESTINATION AND MEETINGS GUIDE
qatar 2011
YOUR ESSENTIAL DESTINATION AND MEETINGS GUIDE
Licensed by International Media Production Zone
egypt 2011
YOUR ESSENTIAL DESTINATION AND MEETINGS GUIDE
Licensed by International Media Production Zone
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