Abu Dhabi Continues to Fortify MICE Sector with Renewed Commitment to China Partnership
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), a pivotal entity under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has underscored its dedication to advancing the emirate’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. This commitment was reaffirmed through the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China MICE Advisory Group. The signing ceremony took place on 21 November at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Established by ADCEB in 2019, the China MICE Advisory Group comprises key Chinese MICE trade partners and media. This unique advisory committee exemplifies ADCEB’s proactive engagement with the expanding outbound MICE sector from China, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s strategic efforts to tap into this dynamic market.
China consistently ranks among Abu Dhabi’s top source markets for tourism and MICE, exemplifying the robust bilateral relationship between the two. The renewal of the partnership aligns with the growing demand for outbound MICE from China, projected to surge significantly in 2024.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the strength of the partnership with China and its positive impact on attracting tourists and business travelers to Abu Dhabi. The renewal of the MoU facilitates the ongoing exchange of knowledge and strategic planning for the future, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving its heritage, culture, and tourism assets.
As part of a broader initiative to boost international MICE arrivals from China, the partnership aims to encourage MICE visitors to extend their stays in the UAE capital. Simultaneously, it seeks to raise awareness of Abu Dhabi’s unique attractions and its exceptional capacity for hosting world-class business events.
The UAE’s official membership in the BRICS group in August 2023 further enhances its global status, fostering strategic trade partnerships, particularly with China. This membership brings economic cooperation, global business recognition, and acts as a catalyst for business events and conferences in Abu Dhabi.
Chinese tourists, holding valid passports, can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days, and Abu Dhabi is actively implementing initiatives to enhance the experience for Chinese visitors. Collaborations with WeChat Pay and Alipay+ have streamlined digital payment experiences, making it more convenient for Chinese tourists to explore Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi’s rising global prominence attracts businesses, investors, and encourages knowledge and technology exchange. In parallel, ADCEB actively promotes the Advantage Abu Dhabi Meetings and Incentives 2.0 program, offering value-added benefits to corporate groups, positioning Abu Dhabi as an attractive and convenient MICE destination.
This partnership renewal affirms Abu Dhabi’s dedication to fostering international collaborations and reinforcing its status as a premier destination for meetings and incentives.
