7 quick tips for planning your next event in the United Arab Emirates

Here are 7 key aspects to planning a successful conference, meeting and/or event in the United Arab Emirates:

1. Respect local traditions and values and communicate this to your attendees/guests.
   Many of the accepted norms in Western society are frowned upon in the UAE and in some cases, are even considered a chargeable offence. Although this only acts as a brief summary, the following should be considered especially:
   1. Alcohol should only be consumed in licensed facilities like restaurants, resorts and hotels.
   2. Avoid public displays of affection.
   3. Dress modestly, this applies especially to women.
   4. During prayer times, avoid any and all noisy activities.
2. Use the local culture and history to your advantage.
   A destination as rich in tradition and culture as the United Arab Emirates should be explored and enjoyed. Consider including tours of historical districts and allow your attendees/guests to learn about the local culture.
3. Allow sufficient time for planning.
   Due to its popularity as a stopover en route to Asia and as an events destination with European companies, low airfare flights sell out very quickly. It is not uncommon to find flights and hotels are sold out months in advance. Keep this in mind not only for your own timeline, but also for your guests/attendees’ bookings.
4. To secure the best possible rates, avoid popular dates.
   Ramadan, local holidays, European holidays and Chinese New Year bring with them a dynamic price increase. Avoid these to increase your chances of securing the best possible deals.
5. Temperate conditions are favoured.
   Although most buildings are equipped with proper air-conditioning, it is still wise to choose your dates wisely. Summers in the United Arab Emirates are scorching, so the ideal time to book your event would be between mid-October and mid-April.
6. Select your venue based on your team building and off-site activities.
   If you’re planning on including desert safaris on your itinerary, consider desert venues to avoid an unnecessary long commute. If architectural tours are more your thing, then choose from the countless hotels in the capital city of Abu Dhabi.
7. Allocate enough time for recreational activities and team-building.
   The United Arab Emirates is a truly unique destination offering the most diverse activities and contrasting scenery, it really is a missed opportunity if the group never gets to experience any of these qualities. Without blowing your budget, try and put aside two days for these activities, even if it takes place at the beginning and/or end of your event, it will still give attendees the opportunity to experience something phenomenal.

The United Arab Emirates is growing faster than most economic hubs ever have and this also puts them ahead in many aspects such as technology and event trends. So, if you want to stay on top of the latest event trends, ideas and technology, keep a watchful eye on the UAE. Also consider which aspects make the UAE so popular – cultural events, historical tours, shopping experiences, desert safaris, dinner cruises, etc. These add excitement to your events and adds value, especially for international attendees.