The Dubai Convention Bureau (DCB) will have two representative offices in the largest cities in China – Beijing and Shanghai. This appointment follows DCB’s strategic plan for MICE expansion to the east. The appointment of the two offices in China as well as the new hire of a Dubaibased Congress Development Executive solely focusing on the Asia Pacific region, further enhances DCB’s efforts in the promotion of Dubai to the MICE market in China.

“We are very excited about this market and will strive to bring more short-term, corporate-based business opportunities to the stakeholders” announced Hamad M. Bin Mejren, Executive Director, Dubai Convention Bureau.

“We are pleased for the opportunity to further represent Dubai to the MICE market in China. We appreciate the trust placed in us, and the team will work diligently and enthusiastically to secure many wins for Dubai” said Brenda He. Mrs. He’s team in China currently represents the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. The United Arab Emirates became an Approved Destination Country in 2009, facilitating the free travel of

Chinese citizens. Since 2000, Chinese outbound travel has increased by 22%. Leisure travelers and MICE groups currently represent up to 80 % of Chinese outbound tourism travel. The business sectors that are travelling outbound from China for meetings and incentives are in strong alignment with the primary business sectors of Dubai, these include financial services, insurance, communications, medical and automotive. The abundant variety of airlift access from China to Dubai along with Dubai’s appeal to the emerging Chinese young middle-class, Dubai is certainly becoming a popular destination for Chinese travelers.