Dubai showcases its prowess by hosting 14,500-strong delegation from China

DUBAI’S tourism industry stakeholders have been lauded for successfully showcasing their collective capacity to host international mega-groups last month, accommodating, transporting and organising large-scale sightseeing tours and gala dinners for 14, 500 incentive delegates from China’s Nu Skin Enterprises Inc between April 6 and April 17.

Commenting on the trip, the Dubai Convention and Events Bureau (DCEB), a division of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and the body responsible for bringing the massive group to the UAE, said industry stakeholders such as Arabian Adventures, Emirates Airlines, the Meydan Group, Dubai Airports, Department of Naturalisation and Residency Dubai (DNRD) and the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), in addition to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Emaar, Jumeirah Group, Alpha Tours and approximately 40 hotels have been doing a great job showcasing Dubai and the UAE’s capacity to host large international mega-groups efficiently and with ease.  

Commenting on the trip so far, Hamad Bin Mejren, DCEB executive director for business tourism, said: “Dubai and the UAE have really come together to make this trip a successful and memorable one for all 14,500 of our Chinese guests. With our various stakeholders cooperating to provide a premier experience for the Nu Skin China group, Dubai is reinforcing its position as a capable global partner for large companies and associations who wish to meet with and entertain their colleagues in a welcoming international city.”   

As part of delegates’ busy schedule of activities was an immense gala dinner held at Dubai’s Meydan Events Arena near Bab Al Shams over two days, in order to accommodate the group’s size. Delegates were evenly split and accommodated at the two events held, which saw approximately 7,500 delegates on each day treated to a mesmerising programme of music, performances, fireworks and a lavish Arabian-themed banquet dinner.

The gala dinners were organised by the Meydan Group, and required around 850 crew members on hand to manage and coordinate service and entertainment at the events. Over 300 chefs were also on hand on both days to prepare over 300 ouzie, the Arabian Gulf region’s signature slow-cooked whole lamb dish, as well as 70,000 pieces of mezza appetizers, over 2,500 kilograms of rice, 21,000 kebab skewers, 3,400 kilograms of shawarma meat and 4,600 kilograms of beef and chicken amongst a host of other food.

Transport to the event, which was organised by Arabian Adventures, required nearly 140 luxury coaches transporting delegates from 25 hotels in Dubai and 15 hotels in Abu Dhabi. In addition, approximately 40 limousines for the company’s senior management and VIP guests were provided by Alpha Tours. Logistics for the event and traffic management were supported by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

DCEB’s Bin Mejren singled out Arabian Adventures for praise for its role in managing all aspects of the incentive group’s travel and accommodation, lauding the company’s efficiency, professional approach and commitment to best practice as a standard within Dubai.

“Handling a group comprising of 14,500 people takes real knowledge and expertise and Arabian Adventures has shown itself to be a leading destination management company (DMC). With Dubai’s growing efforts to attract business events and large-scale conferences it gives us great peace of mind that we have companies in place that are capable of handling any task,” he said.  

As delegates departed the UAE, Emirates Airlines and Dubai Airport were successfully facilitating their transfer back to their respective homelands in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan with relative ease. The last wave of visitors departed the UAE on April 17.