Dubai Association Centre Growth Accelerates With 38% Increase in Registrations

The Dubai Association Centre, DAC, announced rapid growth in registrations of international associations in the first half of 2018.

Established in 2014 as a joint initiative between the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, DTCM, and the Dubai World Trade Centre, DWTC, the centre now has a total of 58 licenced associations with 16 registrations received since the start of the year, reflecting a growth of 38 percent. Newly registered associations include the Energy Institute, the Arab Association of Urology, the International Coach Federation, the Gulf Flight Safety Association, and the International Live Events Association.

The substantial increase this year comes on the back of the inaugural Dubai Association Conference, which took place in December 2017. The event offered a vital platform for networking and knowledge-sharing, in an effort to further boost progression across industries, bringing together association executives, government representatives, university faculties and students, as well as professionals who were interested in forming associations.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said, "Associations undoubtedly play a significant role in our city’s evolution journey, as they are catalysts for knowledge transfer and industry progression.

Through the Dubai Association Centre, we are facilitating this transformation agenda and are working cohesively to create an ecosystem for associations to thrive. This accelerated growth in registrations is a positive step towards unlocking the city’s potential as a global knowledge and business events hub."

Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chamber, said, "There is huge potential for associations to make great contributions to the UAE’s economy and vision, especially in the areas of research, academia, knowledge sharing and the development of future industries. We look forward to working closely with our members and partners to grow the association community in Dubai and promote the emirate as a strategic hub that global associations can leverage to expand their presence in the Middle East and North Africa."

Commenting on the occasion, Mahir Julfar, Senior Vice President, Venue Services Management at the DWTC, said, "At the DWTC, we pride ourselves on offering a platform that allows individuals and organisations alike to network, as well as tap into potential sectors that aim to serve the overall industry progression and contribute to the UAE’s economic development.

"The growth that the Dubai Association Centre has witnessed in the first half of 2018 is a testament to that, particularly as the increase has come on the back of the inaugural Dubai Association Conference hosted by the DWTC.

We strive to continue to play an integral role in aligning with the government’s vision and expanding and enhancing Dubai as the international platform that fosters business growth in the region and beyond."

Associations play a vital role in attracting business events to Dubai, something which will come into focus when Dubai hosts the 57th edition of the International Congress and Convention Association, ICCA, Congress, from 11th-14th November, 2018.