“The latest options for events across Dubai and Abu Dhabi”
The coronavirus pandemic has challenged the events industry like nothing before, but slowly we’re starting to see more positive signs emerging. Countries across the world are opening their borders, with some travel and tourism businesses restarting operations. This includes Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two of our favourite Middle Eastern destinations for international events.
In our first ever webinar, we welcomed the team and the Sofitel Dubai the Palm, to discuss how the two emirates have developed, and what visitors can expect to see as they return.
As the door opens for tourists, business leaders hope that events won’t be too far behind. Venues are working hard to get safety precautions in check for the “new normal”, and thanks to the glorious year-round sunshine, there’ll be plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
So what is there to look forward to?
What’s new?
Before the end of 2020, we should see the launch of Ain Dubai, a new wheel promising 360 degree views of the city. Like the London Eye but bigger, the new attraction will feature 48 high-tech passenger capsules, with events spaces for cocktail receptions.
Another place for stunning views will be The View Palm Jumeirah, a new 240m observatory deck on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, which is opening at the end of the year. Similarly, to the observation deck in Burj Khalifa. Apart from the observation deck itself, it’s a great venue to organize a cocktail reception or events.
Visitors will be able to follow up with a trip to The Pointe, where there will be plenty of restaurant options and non-motorised water sports available for incentive activities.
Over in La Mer and City Walk, there’s a range of new event spaces and restaurants, as well as the Laguna Waterpark, which can be hired out exclusively for groups of 1000.
Dubai Expo has been postponed to 2021, but still promises to be a huge boost for the events industry, with daily live events throughout the six months it will run. The space will offer room for everything from meetings, teambuilding, gala dinners and performances, making it one of the city’s leading event hotspots.
In both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, yacht rides and desert safaris have always been popular with visitors, as they give people a taste of the local culture through food and live events. Ideal for outdoor options, guests can transfer by seaplane between the two cities and enjoy activities in both destinations. The UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, is still viewed as a cultural hotspot, and its spaces have upped their game for international events.
The Louvre now offers private group dining options, while the Qasr Al Watan the Presidential Library offers spectacular spaces for events and can be combined with other options nearby, such as a trip to the famous Emirates Palace for a gala dinner. Yas Island is also expected to remain a popular spot for visitors, especially sporting enthusiasts.
In addition to discussing all the fabulous spaces and attractions, the webinar highlighted some of the UAE’s fantastic hotels, with a spotlight on the Sofitel Dubai The Palm, a luxury property with nine meeting spaces and stunning views.
It’s not been an easy ride for event planners across the world, so we are delighted to see Dubai and Abu Dhabi well geared up for recovery. As the world opens up, we’ll be first in line to help businesses get back to enjoying incredible international events again.
Luckily our clients agree. Mike Lancaster, Managing Director of his own events firm Lancaster Events, said the webinar was thoughtfully presented and the team knew their stuff, right down to the micro detail. “The team’s social extension skills are outstanding too. I hope it’s not long until our next event in the Emirates!”
Why should Dubai and Abu Dhabi be on every event planners pitch list?
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