The Middle East MICE market opened 2025 on strong footing, with corporate meetings accounting for 77.4% of all group activity. Yet underneath that steady foundation, new and emerging sectors are beginning to reshape the landscape.
In Q1, Retail and Online Retailers surged +145%, reflecting the region’s booming e-commerce sector and growing consumer confidence. Charity and Social Services events rose +60%, signaling a wave of purpose-driven gatherings across the Gulf and beyond.
Meanwhile, Travel reclaimed the top spot as the leading industry for MICE events, supported by robust tourism development and infrastructure projects tied to initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s expanding global events calendar.
Financial/Banking and Technology sectors remained stable anchors, but industries such as Real Estate and Healthcare are climbing the ranks, creating fresh opportunities for hotels to target new verticals.
A Quick Look at the Shifts:
- Corporate meetings held 77.4% share, with Government meetings growing to 7.4%—the largest non-corporate segment.
- Travel (10.8%) outpaced Consulting to lead event volume, while Financial/Banking (8.2%) and Technology (8.0%) stayed strong.
- Real Estate moved up the rankings, while Training/Education slipped—hinting at changing budget priorities.
- Retail/Online Retailers (+145%), Charity/Social Services (+60%), and Financial Services (+45%) emerged as the fastest-growing sectors.
As competitive pressures intensify, understanding these shifts is critical. With insights powered by Knowland by Cendyn, hotels can capture emerging demand, align sales strategies, and drive group revenue more effectively.
Download the full Q1 2025 Middle East MICE Report to discover where meetings are heading—and how your property can get ahead.
