Dubai, UAE – The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has honored the outstanding contributions of 47+ members of the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme at its annual gala ceremony, recognising their role in attracting international and regional conferences, congresses and meetings to Dubai, as well as supporting the development of homegrown events in the city. Representing member organizations from a wide range of industries and sectors, the ambassadors were celebrated across four award categories for their contribution to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for business events, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
Organised by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of DET, the gala took place at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, bringing together Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, key stakeholders and industry professionals for an evening recognising their contributions and highlighting the programme’s role in driving Dubai’s economic diversification and knowledge-driven growth, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
The evening’s programme also included entertainment performances by stand-up comedian Mina Liccione and musical artist Abdulla Al Shamsi, also known as NotSoHuman, alongside opportunities for ambassadors to network and create new collaboration opportunities.
This year’s awards celebrated excellence across Homegrown Events, Regional Events, and International Events categories, as well as the Dubai Association Centre category for ambassadors who are also members of the city’s association hub. The 47+ awardees reflected the programme’s wide-ranging expertise and strong cross-sector representation across healthcare, technology, academia, engineering, business and government. The honourees also exemplified the programme’s continued role in enhancing Dubai’s global standing and supporting the development of impactful events beneficial to the city.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of DET said:, “We are proud to recognise the achievements of our Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, whose continued efforts play a key role in strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading destination for business events. Through their expertise, networks, and commitment, they help bring to the city events that support knowledge exchange, sector development, and long-term economic growth. The Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme remains an important pillar of Dubai’s business events ecosystem. By working closely with professionals and institutions across a wide range of sectors, the programme continues to support the attraction and development of events that highlight the depth of expertise within the city and contribute to the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”
Since its launch in 2010, the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme has grown to include more than 350 members and has played a significant role in helping secure numerous high-profile events for Dubai. In 2025, Dubai Business Events submitted 747 bids and secured 504 successful wins for events scheduled through 2029, representing a 15% increase in bid wins compared to 2024. These confirmed events are expected to attract 272,262 delegates, marking a 29% year-on-year increase in delegate numbers. Dubai also hosted 481 business events throughout the year.
As Dubai continues to strengthen its position within the global MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry, the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme remains an important driver of that progress, advancing collaboration, innovation, and excellence across the business events landscape.
SOURCE: MEDIA RELEASE / SUPPLIED CONTENT WITH IMAGES
