As we stand at the crossroads of innovation and tradition, the Middle East - particularly Dubai - continues to emerge as a dynamic hub for world-class events. Over the past year, we've witnessed remarkable shifts in how events are conceived, executed and experienced. Today, I’d like to share insights into these transformations that are playing a critical role in shaping the future of the event landscape.
Revitalising in-person conferences
There’s something uniquely powerful about gathering in person. In Dubai, we’ve seen a resurgence of large-scale in-person conferences across diverse sectors such as finance, logistics, and cybersecurity. According to Cvent’s latest report, over half of event planners in the Middle East are ramping up their in-person events. These gatherings are not just meetings; they are vibrant ecosystems where ideas flourish, hands-on learning is prioritised, and connections are deepened. The energy and engagement found in face-to-face interactions are irreplaceable, and it’s exhilarating to see this format thriving once again.
For example, Dubai AI Week 2025 and Binance Blockchain Week Dubai 2024 attracted thousands of attendees from around the world to discuss the future of technology in their respective industries.
Strategic Move to Hybrid Conferences
Dubai, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure, is perfectly positioned to host hybrid events, allowing organisations to engage audiences both locally and globally. By combining physical presence with virtual reach, hybrid events expand participation and provide valuable data insights, which are crucial for demonstrating ROI. This dual approach is not just a trend; it’s a strategic evolution in the way we connect. Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education is a perfect example of hybrid event that attracted more around 1500 educations experts together.
Sustainability: A Core Focus
A sustainable future is not just a vision - it's a necessity. I'm thrilled to witness more organisations prioritising eco-friendly practices in their event planning.
Sustainability is becoming a competitive edge, resonating with attendees who are increasingly aware of environmental impacts. At Cvent, we champion this approach. Our annual marquee event Cvent Accelerate in 2024 set a new standard, from selecting sustainable venues to partnering with Sustainability expert Zeero group, contributing to the planting of nearly 118 trees and reducing 18,000 kg of CO2 emissions.
Technology: The Game Changer
Our industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and AI is at the forefront, opening up new possibilities for how we engage and interact. It empowers planners to tailor experiences to meet specific goals, providing the necessary tools to demonstrate ROI and inform future strategies. Many of our customer events have widely used features like Cvent AI Writing Assistant, instant session and event summaries and natural language search functionality to work smarter, save time, and deliver more engaging, personalised events.
As the Middle East continues to evolve as a dynamic event destination, the integration of technology, sustainability and hybrid formats is reshaping industry and Cvent is proud to be at the forefront of these changes. With a commitment to redefining connection and creating lasting impressions, the future of events in this region is poised for extraordinary growth and transformation.
*Gokul Bajaj is AVP of Sales & General Manager, Cvent Dubai