Preferences for Meetings in the Middle East

A new study released by Development Counsellors International (DCI) “Will Demand Meet Supply? Inside the Business Events Dilemma in the Middle East” examines the unique position of the Middle East’s global business hubs towards attracting future business events from the North American market.

“At the intersection of three continents, the Middle East is in a highly strategic geographic location for associations looking to increase membership and attract more delegates to their conferences and events,” said Daniella Middleton, director of the Business Events division at DCI.

Key findings:

Potential Growth in Regional Membership: Since participation from North American based associations is low in the Middle East when compared to other global regions, 62 percent of respondents believe the region offers an opportunity to create and grow Middle East regional membership for their organizations.

Continuing Education and Regional Events: Association executives also indicated that they see value in the region for continuing education opportunities and seminars, since the business community remains underserved in this area. The same can be said for regional chapter meetings and events, which are critical for building a deeper membership pool for global conventions.

Past Experience in the Middle East: Of the association executives surveyed, 33 percent had hosted a conference in the Middle East. Of those who had hosted their meetings in the region, more than 50 percent indicated that they had been held in the United Arab Emirates, either in Dubai (38.2 percent) or Abu Dhabi (16.4 percent).

Primary Deterrents to Hosting: Nearly three-quarters of respondents indicated that they would consider the Middle East as a location for future conferences. Of the 26.1 percent who would not consider the region in the future, security and safety concerns were noted as the primary deterrent (34.9 percent), along with lack of regional membership (25 percent) and the travel distance (16.3 percent). Interestingly, given the profile of many Middle East locations as luxurious, the price point was not the top concern.

“The UAE continues to lead the region with massive infrastructural developments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but convention center openings and expansions in Israel, Oman, and Qatar are representative of the growing sophistication of the region’s offerings,” said Middleton.

“Attracting North American associations will be critical as the Middle East marketplace becomes increasingly more competitive.”

The primary research for “Will Demand Meet Supply? Inside the Business Events Dilemma in the Middle East” was based on an online survey fielded by DCI in January 2015. The sample included 166 association executives who were surveyed on their perceptions of the Middle East as a business events destination.

Development Counsellors International (DCI) is the leader in marketing places. Founded in 1960, DCI has worked with more than 400 countries, regions, states and cities to drive investment and tourism. For more information, visit www.aboutdci.com.