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Index Conferences and Exhibitions contributes Dh1.38 billion to UAE’s GDP
More than 40 conferences and exhibitions across various sectors facilitated business deals worth Dh54 billion in the UAE from January 2025 to February 2026
- PUBLISHED: Thu 26 Mar 2026, 12:56 PM
The Dubai-based Index Conferences and Exhibitions, the organiser of leading global specialised conferences and exhibitions in the UAE, generated an economic impact of Dh1.38 billion for the country’s economy across various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, aviation, logistics, and others.
A member of Index Holding, the company revealed that its events facilitated business deals valued at Dh54 billion. It recorded strong participation from January 2025 to February 2026, attracting 279,057 delegates and visitors from 160 countries worldwide, with international participation reaching 65 per cent.
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It organises more than 40 events annually, both regionally and internationally, attracting thousands of visitors, participants, and speakers from across continents, including decision-makers, experts, academics, and entrepreneurs.
Some of the major exhibitions include the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (Duphat), the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition (Aeedc Dubai), the Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition (Dubai Derma), the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (Dihad), the Healthcare Future Summit, the International Family Medicine Conference and Exhibition, and other global events and platforms.
These figures reflect the scale of the economic impact generated by the exhibitions and conferences industry in the UAE, and the important role that international events play in driving business activity and enhancing investment and collaboration opportunities across various sectors.
“The continued growth of this sector reflects the strategic vision of the United Arab Emirates and its commitment to reinforcing its position as a leading global centre for business and innovation,” said Ambassador Professor Abdulsalam AlMadani, chairman of Index Holding.
“What we are witnessing today is not merely growth in the events sector, but a clear affirmation of the strength of the business environment in the UAE and its ability to transform opportunities into sustained economic growth. We believe that international events have become a key economic driver for building partnerships, accelerating investment, and strengthening the knowledge-based economy, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global destination for business and innovation,” he added.
To boost the MICE sector, more than 40 laws and regulations have been updated and refined by the UAE over the past few years to enhance the country’s competitiveness.
Sectoral contribution
The conferences and exhibitions organised by Index have significantly supported national economic activity and driven commercial and investment growth across the country. The economic impact extended to several vital sectors, including entertainment, which recorded strong returns, with restaurant revenues estimated at Dh163.2 million. Tourism revenues reached approximately Dh108.8 million, driven by the growing influx of visitors from within the country and abroad.
The retail sector recorded approximately Dh90.7 million in revenue gains, supported by strong demand for products and services showcased during the events, as well as increased sales in nearby shopping centres.
In the hospitality sector, total hotel room nights during Index events reached 761,182, generating revenues of Dh380.9 million.
The transport sector also recorded significant growth due to the rising number of visitors and participants travelling to the UAE to attend various events. Air transport services generated Dh453.5 million, driven by increased international and domestic flights and higher airline bookings, highlighting the critical role of events in strengthening air connectivity and linking the country to global markets.
At the same time, ground transport services generated Dh92.5 million in revenue, supported by increased movement of visitors and participants between event venues, hotels, shopping centres, and tourist destinations.
Other sectors collectively witnessed gains exceeding Dh90.7 million, demonstrating the wide-ranging economic impact of events across interconnected industries.
“Amid rapid global change, we are focused on advancing resilient, sustainable business models that turn challenges into real opportunities for growth. Our ambition extends beyond numbers to expanding our global impact, attracting more international events, and creating high-quality opportunities that support continuous growth and reinforce the country’s position as a global business and innovation hub,” said Ambassador Professor Abdulsalam AlMadani.
