Dubai has earned a name for itself for the spectacular mega events that it stages round the year whether it be the renowned Dubai Shopping Festival, trade shows like Gitex, conferences, ceremonies, formal parties, concerts, or conventions. Recognising the economic potential and the boost it provides to tourism, the government has set up a separate department to cater to managing events in the emirate, titled Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
To create and support this mammoth industry, there are a number of prominent event management companies operating in this market. It is a highly sophisticated industry where the players conceive event concepts that are in line with the brand image and budget of the sponsors, and identify the target audience and plan the logistics before the event launch. Government departments, business and industry groups and even charitable organisations, and interest groups hold events of all sizes and scope in order to market themselves, build business relationships, raise money or celebrate achievement.
Some of the top event management companies in Dubai are:
Reed Exhibitions
One of the world’s leading events organisers, Reed Exhibitions has a unique network of offices and international sales promoters. Its market reach is extensive and in 2014 over 7 million participants attended their events. It has a growing portfolio of over 500 events in 43 countries, including trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences and meetings, ranging across 43 industry sectors – from aerospace and aviation to beauty and cosmetics to sports and recreation.
Informa Middle East
Informa Middle East, formerly known as IIR Middle East, has over two decades of regional experience in organising and managing all types of business events. It is part of the Informa Global exhibitions business - that represents around 100 trade and consumer shows around the world. The exhibition division is the largest trade and consumer event business in the Middle East.
The UAE head office is based in Dubai, with over 250 dedicated event professionals handling a portfolio of over 40 large scale events across all industry areas. Running alongside our exhibitions, Informa organizes a vast array of conferences, training courses, publications, industry awards, market intelligence and networking functions.
Plan B
Plan b was founded by in 2004 is one of the UAE’s finest marketing and events companies – with an award-winning reputation for successfully delivering complex events especially for government and semi-government entities. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Delhi and London, plan b is headquartered in Dubai and serves clients around the world. The company is ISO 9001:2008 certified and employ highly experienced professionals across diverse creative and technical disciplines.
Flying Elephant
For over 16 years, Flying Elephant Events has excelled at event management, from corporate events and product launches to family entertainment and royal parties. Flying Elephant Events is comprised of six divisions, offering a variety of event solutions for public, private and corporate events, flawlessly organising, managing and facilitating a range of small to large events. We also carry an extensive stock of event accessories and maintain the Middle East’s most comprehensive database of talented local and international artists.
Sumansa Exhibitions
Established in 2006, Sumansa Exhibitions is the producer and organiser of highly successful property and consumer shows. Starting with the first Indian Property Show in Dubai, Sumansa Exhibitions has launched no less than 31 exhibitions, marketing over 160,000 square meters and bringing in over 600,000 visitors. In 2012, Sumansa Exhibitions launched the Ramadan Night Market, a 10-day event held at the DWTC. This show has grown from strength to strength, and is now poised to become Dubai’s largest consumer event.