The UAE has emerged among the top three destinations for meetings and events in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region in the latest Pacific World Destination Index, which identifies the leading destinations in the world for the meetings and incentives industry.

Released by integrated global DMC and event management organisation, Pacific World, the index, now in its second edition, has quickly emerged as one of the definitive guides for both country and regional performance in the sector.

In the EMEA region, Italy bagged the top spot thanks to the popularity of Milan as a meetings destination. This city’s infrastructure, convention and meeting spaces, transport and connectivity, as well as being chosen to host World Expo 2015, all helped it clinch the position. The Monaco-French Riviera region was second on the rankings based on its popularity as a destination for the meetings and events sector with its natural beauty and established infrastructure.

The UAE was a new entrant in the top-three. The country’s investment in its tourism and meetings infrastructure, its excellent global connectivity and proactive official support were all factors that helped it emerge as one of the top destinations on the list. Events such as the Nu Skin China incentive trip, which brought more than 14,000 delegates to the country earlier this year and Dubai winning the chance to host World Expo 2020 only helped cement the country’s growing worldwide reputation as a MICE hub.

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