Abu Dhabi’s MICE sector attracted 2.2m participants in 2025, up 40% year on year, according to figures from the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Cultural and entertainment events drew 4.2m attendees, up 20%, as part of an estimated 26.6m visitors to the emirate overall, with hotel revenues reaching AED9.1bn (around $2.48bn), a 19.5% rise.
The emirate has also been selected to host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, adding a major event win to its events calendar and reinforcing its position in the global meetings market.
A growing pipeline of venues for future events
Abu Dhabi’s events growth is being paired with major venue development, particularly around Yas Island and Saadiyat Cultural District. The Abu Dhabi Sphere, due for completion in 2029, is expected to host immersive experiences and international events, while Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and a planned Disney entertainment resort on Yas Island add further capacity for large-scale cultural and entertainment programming, alongside the emirate’s existing hospitality and conference infrastructure.
For venue operators, event organisers and suppliers, the combination points to a destination building capacity across both leisure attractions and business events, rather than growing one at the expense of the other. Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 continues to guide this development, with further tourism planning under way for Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
