Dubai, a city of unparalleled luxury and innovation, is the destination of choice for discerning travellers worldwide. Not only has Dubai once again ranked top in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards for 2024 (for the second year running), but it is also becoming one of the world’s most sought-after events destinations.
From corporate conferences to extravagant weddings, simply put, Dubai does it better.
In this cosmopolitan hub, you will find stunning purpose-built venues that will take your events to the next level. Along with world-class amenities, and a skyline backdrop that leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
A gala under the stars in the desert. A rooftop cocktail party with free-flowing champagne. A rewards and recognition event overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa. A state-of-the-art exhibition in a cutting-edge convention centre. Dubai will always deliver. And the possibilities for event planners in Dubai are developing as fast as the city itself.
Here’s all you need to know to plan an unforgettable event, with our Dubai destination guide:
BEST AIRLINE – EMIRATES
First in the journey through our Dubai destination guide, is flights. Emirates has an unrivalled reputation as one of the world’s best airline carriers. Offering a first-class service to all (even in economy). As well as next-level comfort and amenities. It’s a perfect example of how companies of Middle Eastern origin go above and beyond. Fly with finesse, with your every need attended to. Attention to detail is second to none.
There are flights to Dubai on Emirates from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester starting from around £539.
BEST HOTEL – ATLANTIS THE ROYAL
Wow. There are so many stunning five-star properties in Dubai, that it’s difficult to select just one. From the outset, this hotel has set out to break ALL of the records. It cost over $ 1 billion to build and after the most lavish of opening parties with Beyoncé headlining, it has continued to impress and astound in equal measure.
The building itself is a unique and imposing arrangement of complex curved interconnecting blocks. Stepping inside, and its marble-clad boulevards, gilded check-in desks, artworks, sculptures and cascading water features combine to create the kind of luxe appeal you might only dream of. The hotel certainly delivers on its promise to serve up “equal amounts of fun and comfort – all with jaw-dropping views – it’s here to “redefine your perspective of luxury.”
Already ranking in the top ten of the world’s best hotels, it towers 43 stories above ground level, with a total of 795 spacious rooms, suites, and penthouses. There are 90 (yes 90) swimming pools. Rooms are furnished and finished with everything you may need for convenience. And with 17 eateries including eight restaurants affiliated to celebrity chefs, finding a bite to eat should never pose an issue.
BEST VENUE FOR A CORPORATE EVENT – EXPO CITY
You ask for a venue; Dubai gives you a whole mini-city. Expo City is a future-centric mini-city that is teeming with versatile event venues to choose from. It is a smart, futuristic destination for business and innovation. The obvious choice for a corporate event would be the Dubai Conference Centre, a gargantuan, versatile custom build with 45,000 square metres of infinitely customisable event space.
Other event venues here range from Surreal to spectacular. An outdoor larger-than-life immersive event space with cascading waterfalls. The magnificent, colourful decorated dome of the Al Wasl Plasa. Plus, a host of sustainably developed plazas, terraces, rooms, venues and event spaces all with state-of-the-art facilities. There really is everything you may need to organise a corporate event like no other.
https://www.expocitydubai.com/en/event-venues/
BEST ROOFTOP BAR – ATTIKO
Situated on the 31st floor of the W – Dubai Mina Seyah floor to floor-to-ceiling windows and an extensive terrace allow panoramic views of the skyline. This bar oozes luxe appeal with clientele to match and a cosy, inviting space to sip cocktails and drink in the views.
It is described as “perfect for sundowners to late-night gatherings, complete with Asian tasty bites and drinks,” and we couldn’t agree more.
https://www.theattiko.com/
BEST SPOT TO WOW A CLIENT – DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL
There are so, so many restaurants that could have made the cut in our Dubai destination guide. In a dining scene like Dubai’s, it’s hard to go wrong. Yet a choice we have to make. So we’re back at Atlantis, The Royal and it is a standout eatery that we couldn’t ignore for this ‘wow’ moment.
Winner of the Best European Restaurant in Dubai, Time Out Dubai Great Service Award 2024 and Time Out Dubai Restaurant of the Year 2024 amongst many other accolades, this newly opened restaurant truly elevates above all the rest. No mean feat when attempting to break into Dubai’s already world-class dining scene. Heston Blumenthal, however, is clearly no stranger to success.
The brainchild of internationally renowned chef Heston Blumenthal, overseen in Dubai by head chef Tom Allen, you simply must visit.
It serves a cuisine like no other, with the most modern of takes on the most historic of dishes. It’s certainly a ‘dining experience’ and has a price tag to match. Save up all of your corporate budget and head here – your clients are sure to be beyond impressed.
https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/dining/dinner-by-heston/menu
HIDDEN GEM – ALERSKAL AVENUE
Alserkal Avenue is Dubai’s cultural district. Dedicated to arts, independent eateries and innovative small businesses. It’s cooler, quirkier and has an edgier feel than many of the tourist spots in Dubai. Visit and explore the unique blend of contemporary art galleries, boutique food and beverage concepts, and innovative homegrown retailers.
https://alserkal.online/
INTERESTING FACT YOU WOULD TELL A CLIENT
Lastly in our Dubai destination guide, did you know that the UAE was only formed in 1971? It is younger than Brad Pitt! And the modern Dubai is only in its infancy. In fact, the first skyscraper (The Dubai World Trade Centre) was built in 1979. Before that, there was a lot of sand and not much else. Hard to imagine when you see the sprawling modern, metropolis it has very quickly become.
If you prefer a corporate event destination a little closer to home, take a look at our guide to Edinburgh.