From the museums around the historic heart of the city to the unique experiences in the majestic desert, Dubai provides meeting planners with the opportunity to amaze their groups. The extraordinary pace of Dubai’s development from humble fishing village to iconic global city has been astonishing. But with a desire to preserve, explore and share its culture and heritage, venues, attractions and museums have opened around Dubai Creek that are ideal for events, while the desert is also providing stunning backdrops for gatherings and immersive activities. Dubai is renowned globally for its extraordinary architecture, experiences, luxurious hotels and restaurants combined with the natural beauty of the desert, beaches and sparkling Arabian Gulf. Yet the local traditions of the tribal groups that settled around the Emirate from the pre-historic era are still evident in its rich cultural heritage. A tolerant and multi-cultural society rooted in traditions, hospitality in particular, it was around the harbour at Dubai Creek that Dubai’s story first began when 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe settled there. For meeting planners, there are a wide range of attractions and activities that can be incorporated into itineraries, or serve as the main focus for key events, to ensure that delegates leave the city with unique experiences and memories. Here are a few of its fascinating attractions that can be easily incorporated into an event programme:
Al Shindagha Museum
The latest addition to the Creek area, this stunning new world-class museum incorporates a group of heritage houses on the banks of the water. Among them is the Perfume House while others focus on traditional crafts, jewellery and traditional healthcare. Designed as a series of impressive themed pavilions, it introduces visitors to the city’s history and development with a state-of-the-art multimedia experience. Tours can focus on governance and society, creativity and wellbeing and living off the sea and the land.
Al Shindagha Museum
Etihad Museum
Located in a magnificent, modern building in Jumeirah, this museum is focused on an inspiring and unique visitor journey that unfolds across a series of interactive pavilions. Visitors can explore the story of the founding of the UAE through experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives, with the museum grounds also being home to the very place where the UAE was founded in 1971.
Etihad Museum
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)
Bring a group here for a taste of traditional Emirati hospitality and talk to locals about their culture, food and traditions. Its mission: Open doors, open minds, means enquiry is welcomed and this fascinating experience could help to develop your group’s cultural intelligence. It can also include a Creekside tour and visit to the Jumeirah Mosque. 
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Groups are encouraged to take a tour around this lovely historic area, home to the SMCCU. It really is like taking a step back in time as you wander through the narrow alleyways of beautiful painstakingly-restored wind towers (barajeel) built from stone, gypsum, teak, sandal wood, fronds and palm wood. Many now house lovely art galleries, boutiques and artisan craft shops. Not far away are the bustling souks to haggle over textiles, spices and gold. Karina Lance, associate vice-president at Dubai Business Events, says: “Dubai’s rich cultural heritage derives from a combination of the historic way of life of the Emiratis – whether they had nomadic lifestyles in the desert or ventured to the seas for fishing, pearl-diving and trading – and the fact that the city has always been a meeting point for people from around the world. “This heritage is best found around Dubai Creek, which the city originally formed around, and where historic districts, museums and souks can be explored.” 
The majestic desert
An alternative for something completely unique for events is the desert – its vast dunes serve as a stark contrast to the metropolitan backdrop and reward groups willing to travel just a few kilometres outside the city. For adventure lovers, there’s the desert safari, complete with falconry, dune bashing and dining under the stars, providing a stunning way to experience the vastness of the desert. For those wanting a bird’s eye view there’s hot air balloons that climb high above the landscape, giving unforgettable views of the desert and sunrise or sunset. And for the largest groups, dedicated desert camps can entertain attendees in style, with delicious food, live entertainment and even special fireworks displays to cap the evening off. “Dubai is well-known – and rightly so – as a destination with incredible hotels, venues and soaring architecture, as well as its beaches and malls,” says Karina Lance. “What often surprises meeting planners and delegates is the rich culture and heritage waiting to explored in the city. Once they have the opportunity to explore this, it can completely change their perception of Dubai, and we encourage planners to incorporate elements into their itineraries.” 
Bringing plans to life
As the city’s official convention bureau, Dubai Business Events (DBE) offers free and impartial advice, guidance and support to business event organisers in planning international meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in the city. DBE partners with hundreds of hotels, venues, Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and other service providers in Dubai, representing the very best the city has to offer. With in-depth knowledge of Dubai, its unique culture, world class convention venues and the specific requirements of the business event industry, Dubai Business Events prides itself on delivering free and impartial advice tailored to planners’ specific needs. For more information: Visit www.dubaibusinessevents.com Email askdbe@dubaidet.ae 
