Business events in the Gulf are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the region’s economy, with a significant 121% increase in ticket sales over the past three years, according to a joint report by Platinumlist and Tumodo.

These events are drawing up to 95% of attendees from outside the host country, effectively turning them into regional travel hubs.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) event market is projected to grow at a 9% annual growth rate from 2025 to 2033, driven by the growing importance of corporate events and MICE tourism. Tumodo’s data shows that business event trips cost 25-40% more than standard corporate travel due to premium accommodations and additional services.

Andrew Baturin, Chief Marketing Officer at Tumodo, noted, “Companies prefer compact, high-impact 1-3 day trips, yet MICE events encourage longer stays of 3-5 days as delegates integrate networking, client meetings, and leisure activities around fixed conference schedules.”

Platinumlist’s report indicates that sectors such as technology, AI, crypto, and Web3 are the fastest-growing in business events, attracting significant regional investment and regulatory clarity. Additionally, there is a trend toward events focused on leadership development and women’s empowerment.

As we approach 2026, business events in the Gulf are anticipated to evolve towards more interactive formats, emphasizing structured networking and curated participation, thereby enhancing their value as platforms for partnerships and deal-making.