Dubai and Abu Dhabi claimed top spots in the ‘Top Meeting Destinations’ list compiled by Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, which also released its list of ‘Top Meeting Hotels’ for the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.

These lists – which also include regional rankings for North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe – were compiled based on sourcing activity through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world’s largest venue-sourcing platforms.

More than $16 billion of MICE business was sourced through Cvent’s online platforms in 2023.

The annual Cvent Top Lists have become go-to resources for event organisers worldwide looking for incredible hotels and destinations to host their events. The company hosted a live press conference at IMEX Frankfurt to share more in-depth details and recognise top hotels and destinations in person.

Cvent Top Meeting Destinations – MEA

The top two spots on the Top Meeting Destinations list were once again claimed by Dubai (#1) and Istanbul (#2). Abu Dhabi (#3) improved its 2023 ranking to round out the Top 3; Marrakech, Morocco (#4); Cape Town, South Africa (#5); Cairo, Egypt (#6); Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (#7); Doha, Qatar (#8);    Johannesburg, South Africa (#9); Casablanca, Morocco (#10).

Karina Lance, Associate Vice President, Dubai Business Events, said: “Driven by the city’s visionary leadership, Dubai continues to cement its status as a leading global business events hub, and we are delighted to once again be named the Top Meeting Destination in the Middle East and Africa.

“Engaging with meeting planners is at the heart of our strategy to capture business events, whether through technology platforms such as Cvent, meeting them in their home markets, or bringing them to Dubai to see and experience the city’s latest offerings.

“Working with our stakeholders and partners across the city’s business events ecosystem, we are committed to further elevating global awareness of the Dubai proposition, and attracting more meetings, conferences and incentives to our destination.”

Cvent Top Meeting Hotels – MEA

Conrad Dubai (#1); InterContinental Dubai Festival City (#2); Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel (#3); Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City (#4); Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights (#5); Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (#6); JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai (#7); The St. Regis Downtown Dubai (#8); InterContinental Istanbul (#9); Grand Hyatt Istanbul (#10). – TradeArabia News Service